News:Paul Ranger hasn't played with the AHL Toronto Marlies since Jan. 13 after suffering a head injury, according to the print edition of the Toronto Sun.
Analysis: He'd been on a major roll -- 12 points in the 12 games leading into that point -- with the possibility of an invite to the Leafs' camp. There is no update on his status; the paper suggests he's been staying away from the team.
News:Paul Ranger may choose to stay in the AHL rather than attend an NHL training camp, reports Elliotte Freedman of CBC.ca. "Everyone wants to make sure that from Paul's side and our side that he's fully ready to make the next step," said Toronto Marlies' coach Dallas Eakins. "He's so early into this that there's no timeline on a return for him."
Analysis:Paul Ranger left the Lightning in 2009-10 after playing just eight games that year and didn't return to pro hockey until this season. There would be plenty of NHL suitors, including the Leafs, for this talented defender. "Ranger has played very, very well," continued Eakins. Ranger's agent, Joe Resnick, isn't saying one way or the other, and a few people thing this stall is just a negotiating tactic. But there is a chance Ranger just beats to a different drummer and is enjoying his season in the AHL. This is worth following -- he could be a top-four defender on whole lot of teams.
News:Paul Ranger, who picked up a goal in Saturday's win over Rockford and now has points in seven of his last eight games, stands a good chance at making the Maple Leafs this season. He hasn't played in the NHL since 2009-10 when he played just eight games for the Tampa Bay Lightning and he returned to pro hockey with the Marlies this season.
Analysis:Paul Ranger has all the earmarks of a top-four defender even after missing all of that time. He was promoted to the power play with Jake Gardiner sidelined and he has been exceptional there. He's big (6-3, 210), skates well and is an absolutely brilliant passer. Gardiner, an NHL regular, is still on the sidelines so Ranger could have a ticket to the Air Canada Centre in a week or so. He'll produce, too -- steal him in a late round.
Ranger Completes Comeback; Makes AHL Toronto Marlies
News:Paul Ranger has made the opening night roster of the Toronto Marlies, according to the team's official site.
Analysis: What a comeback for a guy who'd been out of hockey for two years. He'll probably hit the wall at some point -- AHL schedules are tough. But this is a great story and one worth watching when the Leafs finally hit the ice. Who knows where Paul Ranger might be by season's end.
News:Paul Ranger, who has been away from hockey for two years, impressed at the first day of the Toronto Marlies' training camp, reports the Toronto Star.
Analysis: "Early on, he looks extremely strong," said coach Dallas Eakins, who was impressed with Paul Ranger's efforts during the fitness tests. Ranger has what his former Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella described as one of the best outlet passes in pro hockey. It will be interesting to see if he can regain that form -- we might just see him back in an NHL uniform in a few years if that's the case.
News:Paul Ranger has signed a deal with the AHL Toronto Marlies, reports Sportsnet.ca.
Analysis: The smooth-skating defender last played for the Lightning, but left the team before 2010-11 season. His best season in the NHL was 2007-08 when he had a career-best 10 goals and 21 assists in 72 games. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
News: Ranger, who left the team early in September for personal reasons, appears unlikely to rejoin the Lightning, the team's official site.
Analysis: Ranger still has until December 1 to sign his qualifying offer with the team if he chooses to play again this season, but at this point, all signs point to him staying away from hockey in 2010-11. Whether this will mark the end of his career is anybody's guess.
News: Ranger (undisclosed absence) will not be at training camp when it opens, reports the St. Petersburg Times.
Analysis: "I've had some very good conversations with him," general manager Steve Yzerman said. "He's a really nice young man. I don't want to speak publicly on his behalf, but he's sorting out with what he wants to do with his hockey career and with his life. At this time he's not prepared to commit to coming back to the NHL, and I respect his position." The Bolts have extended a qualifying offer to Ranger who must sign with the club prior to December 1 if he is to play this season.
News: Tampa Bay D Paul Ranger, who has been out for some time dealing with personal issues, is expected to return to the Lightning very shortly. As of Sunday's game against Washington, however, he has yet to return and will likely be back sometime in early February.
Analysis: Ranger was granted a leave for personal reasons in October and has been away from the team since. There has been no explanation for Ranger's absence, but with him out of the lineup this season, it has created a void on the Lightning blue line. His return, provided he's back to form, would be a big boost. Ranger is merely a low-end Fantasy blueliner when active.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Tampa Bay might be set to get a major addition to its roster six weeks ahead of the trade deadline. While the Lightning doesn't appear to be in the market for a headline-splashing move, the team appears set to welcome back defenseman Paul Ranger, who has been away from the team for personal reasons since October. While there is no specific date for a return, Lightning coach Rick Tocchet has stated an update on his return is expected to be forthcoming before Tampa Bay takes on Toronto on Thursday.
Analysis: Ranger was granted a leave for personal reasons in October and has been away from the team since. There has been no explanation for Ranger's absence, but with him out of the lineup this season, it has created a void on the Lightning blue line. His return, provided he's back to form, would be a big boost. "That's one of the things that a lot of people may not understand, he's a guy that can play 20-plus minutes. He's a young guy and his curve for potential is still high," Tocchet said. "To knock a guy like that out of your lineup, he's one guy we relied on as a puck-moving defenseman who has a good shot. That's something we need and expected to have and we don't have him, so that's a big loss." Should Ranger return, he would have to find a way to get into game shape before jumping back on the ice right away. "If and when he comes back, and I don't know exactly when he's coming back so I can't make plans, but he'll have to get in some conditioning and some games somewhere, whether that's here or (AHL) Norfolk," Tocchet said. "He's been out for three months now." Ranger is merely a low-end Fantasy blueliner when active.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger is still on an indefinite personal leave, which began on Oct. 26. Ranger, who has not played since Oct. 22, missed his 18th straight game on Wednesday against the Bruins.
Analysis: Ranger has had some contact with his teammates, but no one in the Tampa Bay organization still has a clue why the veteran blueliner is away from the team. Defenseman Kurtis Foster believes Ranger will be back this season, but we don't know for sure. Ranger is merely a low-end Fantasy blueliner when active.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger has been granted an indefinite leave of absence by the team. No specific reason was given for the leave.
Analysis: Ranger played in just 42 games last season due to a shoulder injury, but had looked at 100 percent since having surgery earlier this year. He's only a lower-end Fantasy defenseman in deeper leagues when healthy, so only stash him away if you really need his services later this season.
News: Tampa Bay D Paul Ranger was out of the lineup on Saturday against the Lightning to address a personal matter. He is considered questionable for Thursday against Ottawa.
Analysis: Ranger played in just 42 games last season due to a shoulder injury. He has looked at 100 percent since having surgery earlier this year. Ranger is one of the Lightning's top-logging defenders and should see a fair amount of scoring chances. However, he still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option. He also has Fantasy appeal in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats. Ranger should be safe to use for Week 4 (Oct. 26-Nov. 1).
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Hurricanes. Ranger stopped a personal 22-game goal-scoring drought from just inside the blue line at 13:24 of the second.
Analysis: Ranger played in just 42 games last season due to a shoulder injury. He has looked at 100 percent since having surgery earlier this year. Ranger is one of the Lightning's top-logging defenders and should see a fair amount of scoring chances. However, he still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option. He also has Fantasy appeal in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (shoulder) was able to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Thrashers. He had an assist and plus-1 rating in 22:19 of ice time.
Analysis: Ranger had his most trying season as a NHLer in 2008-09 due to injury. He appeared in just 42 games, totaling a career-low 13 points. He also finished minus-5. Ranger is going to be one of the few faces on defense back in 2009-10 and also playing for his next contract. He should be a top-logging defenseman for the Lightning, but since he is an average offensive contributor, consider him a low-end Fantasy option Draft Day. He also has Fantasy appeal in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: The St. Petersburg Times reports Lightning GM Brian Lawton said defensemen Andrej Meszaros and Paul Ranger, who both had arthroscopic surgery to fix torn labrums in their left shoulders, were examined in July by noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. Both players are expected to be cleared for contact by training camp. "There is no reason to believe that either would not be ready for camp," trainer Tommy Mulligan said.
Analysis: Ranger had his most trying season as a NHLer in 2008-09 due to injury. He appeared in just 42 games, totaling a career-low 13 points. He also finished minus-5. Ranger is going to be one of the few faces on defense back in 2009-10 and also playing for his next contract. He should be a top-logging defenseman for the Lightning, but since he is an average offensive contributor, consider him a low-end Fantasy option Draft Day. He also has Fantasy appeal in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning D Paul Ranger, who suffered a labrum tear in his left shoulder that required season-ending surgery on March 3, is expected to be ready for training camp. Ranger underwent a similar surgery on his right shoulder last season and missed the first two games of the season before returning.
Analysis: Ranger had his most trying season as a NHLer in 2008-09 due to injury. He appeared in just 42 games, totaling a career-low 13 points. He also finished minus-5. Ranger is going to be one of the few faces on defense back in 2009-10 and also playing for his next contract. He should be a top-logging defenseman for the Lightning, but since he is an average offensive contributor, consider him a low-end Fantasy option Draft Day. He also has Fantasy appeal in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News:The St. Petersburg Times reports two of the Lightning's top defensemen -- Paul Ranger and Andrej Meszaros -- will both have season-ending surgeries to repair torn labrums in their left shoulder. Ranger has missed 12 games this season due to the injury, including the last four, and Meszaros has been out since Feb. 4 with the ailment. The surgeries scheduled for March 3 will be done by renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews. Both players are expected to be fully healed in six months, meaning they should be ready for training camp. "Paul has been playing with his injury for the majority of the season and he missed games on several occasions because of it," GM Brian Lawton said in a release. "For both players we feel it is important to get the shoulders repaired so they can be fully recovered and ready to go at the start of training camp."
Analysis: This is the second straight offseason Ranger will be rehabbing a shoulder surgery, as he and Vincent Lecavalier both had surgeries last spring to repair torn labrums in their right shoulder. Ranger finishes the season with two goals and 11 assists in 42 games. Meszaros had two goals and 14 assists in 52 games. Meszaros was the bigger disappointment of the two players since he came from Ottawa as a high-end Fantasy option and developed into an unreliable low-end player. It's safe to cut both of these players in seasonal Fantasy formats.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Lightning D Paul Ranger could be shut down for the season. Ranger has missed the past three games with an upper body injury.
Analysis: Ranger hasn't had a very healthy 2008-09 season and it has hurt his production in some regard. Ranger has decent offensive skill, but is nothing amazing. He is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. It's probably best that you keep him reserved in deeper leagues for now, but if he's taking up a valuable spot, feel free to dump him.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger was unable to play against the Capitals on Saturday as he is out with an undisclosed ailment. This is the third game has missed and he remains questionable for Tuesday against Chicago.
Analysis: Ranger hasn't had a very healthy 2008-09 season and it has hurt his production in some regard. Ranger has decent offensive skill, but is nothing amazing. He is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. It's probably best that you keep him reserved in deeper leagues for the upcoming scoring period as not much is known about his injury.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (undisclosed) did not return to the lineup Thursday against the Maple Leafs. He has missed the last two games and remains questionable heading into Saturday against the Capitals.
Analysis: Ranger hasn't had a very healthy 2008-09 season and it has hurt his production in some regard. Ranger has decent offensive skill, but is nothing amazing. He is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger was scratched Tuesday against the Thrashers because of an undisclosed injury. He remains questionable heading into Thursday's game against the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: Ranger hasn't had a very healthy 2008-09 season and it has hurt his production in some regard. Ranger has decent offensive skill, but is nothing amazing. He is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The St. Petersburg Times reports Lightning D Paul Ranger is "iffy" for Tuesday's game against the Thrashers because of an undisclosed injury. He did not practice Sunday or Monday.
Analysis: Rangers logged 22 minutes Saturday against the Islanders and continues to be one of the team's top-logging players when healthy. But he has had plenty of issues with that in 2008-09. Ranger has decent offensive skill, but is nothing amazing. He is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy. Consider him an injury-risk start Week 19 (Feb. 9-15).
News:The St. Petersburg Times reports Paul Ranger, Lukas Krajicek, Steve Eminger and Matt Smaby did not skate during Sunday's practice while nursing some aches and pains. The team said the four defenders took the day off for "body maintenance." All four players could be questionable heading into Tuesday's game with the Thrashers.
Analysis: Rangers logged 22 minutes Saturday against the Islanders and continues to be one of the team's top-logging players when healthy. But he has had plenty of issues with that in 2008-09. Ranger has decent offensive skill, but is nothing amazing. He is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Canadiens after missing five games with an upper-body injury. He didn't have a point in 25:53 of ice time and finished at plus-1. Ranger has 10 assists in 37 games.
Analysis: Ranger hasn't been very healthy in 2008-09, but at least he hasn't suffered a major setback in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. He continues to be one of the Lightning's top-logging defenseman when healthy, but Ranger still remains a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (upper body) did not return to the lineup Wednesday against Buffalo. He has missed the last five games and remains questionable for Tuesday's game against Montreal after the All-Star break.
Analysis: Ranger has been battling an upper body injury for the last few weeks and we have to start wondering if he suffered a setback from offseason shoulder surgery. He continues to be one of the Lightning's top-logging defenseman when healthy, but Ranger still remains a low-end Fantasy option whether he does or does not return for Tuesday's game after the break.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (upper body) did not return to the lineup Monday against the Stars. He has missed the last four games and remains questionable for Wednesday's game against the Sabres.
Analysis: Ranger has been battling an upper body injury for the last few weeks and we have to start wondering if he suffered a setback from offseason shoulder surgery. He continues to be one of the Lightning's top-logging defenseman when healthy, but Ranger still remains a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger did not play in Saturday's game against the Panthers with an upper body injury. It was the third game he has missed with the injury. He remains questionable for Monday's game against the Stars.
Analysis: Ranger is being treated cautiously and he may have re-injured his shoulder that has been surgically repaired. He has already missed a few weeks with the injury before returning and playing three games which led to him sitting out again. He may be benched through the All-Star Break, so he's too much of an injury risk for the upcoming scoring period.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger did not play in Thursday's game against the Flyers with an upper body injury. It was the second game he has missed with the injury. He remains questionable for Saturday's game against the Panthers.
Analysis: Ranger only just returned to the Bolts lineup last week after missing a few games, and you have to wonder this is an issue with his surgically-repaired shoulder. He continues to be one of the Lightning's top-logging defenseman when healthy, but Ranger still remains a low-end Fantasy option.
News: The St. Pete Times reports that Lightning D Paul Ranger (upper body) will sit out Tuesday's game against the Sharks.
Analysis: Ranger only just returned to the Bolts lineup last week after missing a few games, and you have to wonder this is an issue with his surgically-repaired shoulder. He continues to be one of the Lightning's top-logging defenseman when healthy, but Ranger still remains a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger returned to the lineup Thursday against the Coyotes after missing three games with an upper-body injury. He didn't have a point in 23:50 of ice time and finished at minus-1.
Analysis: Luckily for Ranger is that he didn't suffer a setback with his surgically repaired shoulder. He continues to be one of the Lightning's top-logging defenseman, but Ranger still remains a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger was out for the third straight game on Sunday at Atlanta with an upper body injury. He remains day to day and is questionable for Thursday's game at Phoenix.
Analysis: Looking ahead to Fantasy Week 14, we're suggesting not having Ranger in the lineup. This upper body injury could be a shoulder that bothered him earlier in the season and you'd have to think the Lightning will be cautious. When healthy, Ranger is only a low-end option to begin with.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger did not play on Saturday with an upper body injury and remains day to day. He has now missed two games with the ailment and is questionable for Sunday's game at Atlanta.
Analysis: Ranger battled a shoulder injury to start off the season and this current injury could be related to that. Hopefully it's not too big of a setback and he'll be back on the ice soon. He is one of the Lightning's better defenseman but only a low-end option when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Lightning played without D Paul Ranger and D Lukas Krajicek on Thursday against the Capitals as both sat out with undisclosed upper-body injuries. Ranger, who missed practice on Wednesday, skated Thursday morning but wasn't able to play and is listed as out day-to-day. Krajicek, who missed Saturday's game against Florida with an undisclosed upper-body injury but returned on Tuesday, is suffering from a different injury and was walking around with bandages on his fingers Thursday morning.
Analysis: Ranger missed the first few weeks of the season following shoulder surgery, so hopefully he didn't suffer a setback in that arena. He is one of Tampa's top-logging defenseman and has managed 11 points in 33 games. He contributes in all facets of the game for Tampa Bay and is worth a look as a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger scored his second goal of the season Saturday in a loss to the Sabres.
Analysis: Ranger has only seven points this season and is limited to use in the deepest of leagues.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger tallied an assist and finished at minus-1 in 24:08 of ice time Wednesday against the Devils. He now has one goal and two assists in eight games since making his debut coming off shoulder surgery.
Analysis: Ranger has been pretty much averaging 25 minutes per game since stepping on the ice and has been used heavily by first-year coach Barry Melrose. Ranger remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman until he starts posting consistent offensive numbers, but he is also a viable option in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (shoulder surgery) played for the first time this season during Thursday's 4-3 overtime loss against the Islanders. He didn't have a point in 23:46 of ice time and finished at minus-2. He took two shots and spent four minutes in the penalty box for two minor penalties.
Analysis: The good news here is that Tampa Bay spent little time throwing Ranger into the fire as he logged more than 23 minutes of ice time in his debut. Ranger is expected to see plenty of PT in 2008-09 under first-year head coach Barry Melrose. Ranger remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman until he starts posting consistent offensive numbers.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning D Paul Ranger is nearly set to return to action following offseason shoulder surgery. Ranger was cleared to return to full contact on Oct. 8 and could be ready to play by Thursday against the Islanders.
Analysis: Ranger had a career-high 31 points and 10 goals in 72 games last season. He also had a career-worst minus-13 rating. Ranger is expected to be a key part of the Lightning blue line in 2008-09 as he and newly-acquired Andrej Meszaros are the most experienced defenseman. Ranger remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman and is still a bit of an injury-risk start Week 2 (Oct. 13-19).
News: The Tampa Tribune reports that Lightning D Paul Ranger participated in full practice drills Wednesday, the first time he has been cleared for full contact since undergoing shoulder surgery during the offseason. "I'm starting to do some battles now in practice and that's a big step," Ranger said. "Now I'm just doing the things I need to do in order to be cleared to play."
Analysis: Ranger had a career-high 31 points and 10 goals in 72 games last season. He also had a career-worst minus-13 rating. Ranger is expected to be a key part of the Lightning blue line in 2008-09 as he and newly-acquired Andrej Meszaros are the most experienced defenseman. Ranger remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman heading into the season, but should be kept reserved until further notice.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning D Paul Ranger, who is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, is expected to remain out until the middle of October.
Analysis: Ranger had a career-high 31 points and 10 goals in 72 games last season. He also had a career-worst minus-13 rating. Ranger is expected to be a key part of the Lightning blue line in 2008-09 as he and newly-acquired Andrej Meszaros are the most experienced defenseman. Ranger remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman heading into the season, but should be kept reserved until further notice.
News: Lightning head coach Barry Melrose recently told The St. Petersburg Times that he didn't expect D Paul Ranger, recovering from shoulder surgery, to play in the team's two-game opening series against the Rangers starting Saturday and finishing Sunday.
Analysis: Ranger had a career-high 31 points and 10 goals in 72 games last season. He also had a career-worst minus-13 rating. Ranger is expected to be a key part of the Lightning blue line in 2008-09 as he and newly-acquired Andrej Meszaros are the most experienced defenseman. Ranger remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman heading into the season, but should likely be kept reserved Fantasy Week 1 (Oct. 4-12).
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Paul Ranger is the Lightning's second-most experienced defenseman and is expected to log top-two minutes and play a key role once he is cleared to return following offseason shoulder surgery. His status for the season-opening series in Prague, Czech Republic, against the Rangers is questionable.
Analysis: Ranger had a career-high 31 points and 10 goals in 72 games last season. He also had a career-worst minus-13 rating. Ranger is expected to be a key part of the Lightning blue line in 2008-09 as he and newly-acquired Andrej Meszaros are the most experienced defenseman. Ranger remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman heading into next season.
News:The Tampa Tribune reports Lightning D Paul Ranger is still not completely healed from offseason shoulder surgery. "I can't give a percentage on it or anything or how it feels; I don't know, it's hard to explain," Ranger said. "I feel like I'm shooting as hard as I can ... but ...." Ranger is not expected to partake in any intrasquad games or preseason contests soon, but early reports is that he doesn't look like a player coming off major surgery. "Paul Ranger looks great, he just looks great out there," Lightning coach Barry Melrose said. "I've been very impressed with him."
Analysis: Ranger said he feels daily improvement in his shoulder and said that since he arrived in town in early August he has noticed the difference in his strength. "From the first couple of weeks that I was here until now, it's night-and-day in terms of the building up the muscle mass," he said. Ranger had a career-high 31 points and 10 goals in 72 games last season. He also had a career-worst minus-13 rating. Ranger is expected to be a key part of the Lightning blue line in 2008-09 as he and newly-acquired Andrej Meszaros are the most experienced defenseman. Ranger remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman heading into next season.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning D Paul Ranger, who had a similar shoulder surgery as Vincent Lecavalier, has returned to the ice although he will be limited in contact when training camp opens and could be held out of preseason action.
Analysis: Ranger had a career-high 31 points and 10 goals in 72 games last season. He also had a career-worst minus-13 rating. Ranger is expected to be a key part of the Lightning blue line in 2008-09 as he and newly-acquired Andrej Meszaros are the most experienced defenseman. Ranger remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman heading into next season.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger suffered a sublexation of his left shoulder Wednesday night, according to the Tampa Tribune, and is likely out for the rest of the season. He will have an MRI once he gets back to Florida to reveal the extent of the damage.
Analysis: Ranger had 31 points in 72 games this season before getting hurt and had some value as a No. 3 Fantasy defenseman. At only 23, he still has plenty of time to bloom, however, so don't forget about him next season.
News: Tampa Bay might have lost defenseman Paul Ranger, who was holding his left arm in extreme pain as he left the ice and headed directly to the dressing room with 8:06 left in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Ranger was chasing after a puck in the right corner of the Lightning end when he was hit from behind by Buffalo's Daniel Paille. Ranger hurt his left arm, which jammed up against the glass, as the player was attempting to cushion himself from the check. The Lightning had no immediate update on the Ranger's injury.
Analysis: Ranger has 29 points this season, but only one in the last 10 games. If ranger is ever able to find some consistency in his offensive contribution, he could become an elite Fantasy defenseman. For now, he remains a No. 3 option.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger scored his ninth and 10th goals of the season Tuesday in a 5-4 win over the Blues, and is now only one point behind his career high of 28 set last season.
Analysis: Ranger had 17 points over the first two months this season, but then slumped to only seven over December and January. He is off to a good start in February, and if he ever finds some consistency in his offensive contribution, he could become an elite Fantasy defenseman. For now, he remains a No. 3 option.
News: D Paul Ranger has not been much of a contributor in the Lightning lineup in the last few games. Ranger has gone cold with no points in five consecutive games. He had two goals and an assist in the previous five games.
Analysis: Ranger has tendencies to get points in spurts, going between hot and cold in several games. In December and January he had three such stretches of five and six games without getting any points. Ranger is a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger tied Tuesday's game against the Maple Leafs at 3 with 40.3 seconds remaining when his shot floated through a crowd and over Scott Clemmensen's shoulder. It was his seventh goal of the season and first since Dec. 15 against the Capitals. The Lightning eventually lost 4-3 in a shootout Tuesday.
Analysis: Ranger had a pretty disappointing December with just one goal and two assists. He did much better in the first two months of the season and is already off to a better start in January. Let's hope he can maintain. For now, treat him as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger scored about five minutes into Saturday's game against the Capitals. It was his sixth goal this season and first since Nov. 23 against the Hurricanes.
Analysis: Ranger continues to get better and better with every game he takes the ice. He has already posted a career high in goals and there is no thinking he can't surpass his career high in assists (24). He has developed into a decent No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy option.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (shoulder) returned to the lineup Friday against the Hurricanes. Ranger, who missed just one game, scored a goal and finished at plus-1 in 26:14 of ice time. He now has a goal in four of his last five games.
Analysis: Ranger has as many goals in 21 games this season as he did in his previous 148 career games. He is in for a breakout season and has become a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Tampa Bay recalled D Dan Jancevski and LW Mathieu Darche from Norfolk of the AHL Wednesday. Jancevski replaced D Paul Ranger (shoulder), while Darche took the spot of RW Jason Ward (healthy scratch) in the lineup.
Analysis: Ranger (shoulder) was out of the lineup Wednesday for the first time this season. He came in eighth in the league among defensemen with 14 points and leads the Lightning with 25:40 minutes of ice time per game. Ranger has developed into a nice No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy defender when healthy.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Friday's game against the Capitals. He now has one goal in each of his last three games and four on the season.
Analysis: Ranger has finally found his scoring touch, but Fantasy owners will also love the notion he has 10 assists and a plus-11 rating. Ranger has developed into a nice No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy defender. However, let's not forget that Ranger can also go cold at a moment's notice.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's game against the Capitals. It was his first goal since Oct. 24 against, inronically, the Capitals.
Analysis: Ranger opened the season with nine points in eight games, but has just two in his last nine games. Despite the solid start, Ranger is only worth a look in larger Fantasy formats at this time. If he continues on a consistent path, he will then develop into much more.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Lightning D Paul Ranger, who came into Saturday's game against the Sabres third among defensemen with nine points (one goal, eight assists), was held without a point for only the second time in nine games.
Analysis: Despite the solid start, Ranger is only worth a look in larger Fantasy formats at this time. If he continues on a consistent path, he will then develop into much more.
News: D Paul Ranger and RW Jason Ward each posted a goal and assist in Wednesday's game at Washington with two shots on goal. Ranger, who had the first goal by a Lightning defenseman this season, finished with an even rating. Ward posted a plus-2.
Analysis: Despite the solid night, Ranger is only worth a look in Fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams. The Lightning host the Flyers on Thursday night.
News: Paul Ranger (shoulder) was able to play in Thursday's regular season opener against the Devils. He picked up an assist with three shots on goal in a team-high 27:09 of ice time.
Analysis: With Dan Boyle out of the lineup, Ranger is worth a look in most Fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams. He'll see an increased amount of ice time. The Lightning host the Thrashers on Saturday.
News: The Tampa Tribune reports Paul Ranger is battling a right shoulder bruise suffered in Saturday's preseason game in the first period.
Analysis: The injury is not considered serious. Ranger, who is on the team's second defensive pairing, is questionable for the team's regular season opener on Oct. 4 against New Jersey.
News: The Tampa Bay Lightning have Filip Kuba and Shane O'Brien will be on the team's top defensive pairing following the freak injury to Dan Boyle (wrist surgery). Brad Lukowich and Paul Ranger will make up the second pairing. "All of us are going to step up our games," Ranger told the Tampa Tribune. "We have to. And when Danny comes back, we'll be that much better."
Analysis: Ranger has gone scoreless with a minus-1 rating in two preseason games with four penalty minutes. He is a decent option as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy defenseman in leagues of 12 or more teams heading into the regular season.
News: The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed vetearn D Brad Lukowich to a three-year deal and they also announced they have re-signed D Paul Ranger to a three-year contract.
Analysis: Lukowich has been brought in to replace the departed Cory Sarich, who has moved on to Calgary. Each player's Fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues at this point.
News: Paul Ranger (knee) returned to the lineup for Friday's game at Carolina. He picked up an assist with an assist in 15:39 of ice time.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Ranger back into the active Fantasy lineup in larger leagues.
News: Lightning defenseman Paul Ranger, sidelined since March 7 with a knee sprain, returned to practice Monday. He might return to the lineup this weekend.
Analysis: Ranger is considered questionable for Friday's game at Carolina. Keep him reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (knee) did not play Saturday against the Senators.
Analysis: Ranger is considered day to day. Continue to keep him out of active Fantasy lineups until he returns to action. When healthy, he is a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (knee) did not play Thursday against the Devils.
Analysis: Ranger is considered day to day. Continue to keep him out of active Fantasy lineups until he returns to action. When healthy, he is a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Paul Ranger (knee) missed Sunday's game against the Capitals, sitting for the fourth consecutive game.
Analysis: Ranger is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all larger leagues for Fantasy Week 25 (March 19-25) if you have healthier alternatives.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (knee) missed his third straight game Friday against the Sabres.
Analysis: Ranger is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Paul Ranger (knee) missed his second straight game on Tuesday at Toronto.
Analysis: Ranger is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove his health.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (knee) did not play Saturday against the Flames.
Analysis: In his second year, Ranger has a career-high four goals and 26 points and is considered one of the team's top passers. He is listed as day to day. When healthy, Ranger is a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger went down in the first period Wednesday with what looks like a serious injury to his left knee. During an Edmonton rush into the Tampa Bay zone, Raffi Torres tripped over goaltender Marc Denis and fell into Ranger's leg. Ranger lay prone on the ice for a few minutes before having to be helped to the locker room. He did not put any weight on his left leg. The team only diagnosed it is as a left knee injury and said he would be re-evaluated before the team gets to Calgary for a Saturday game against the Flames.
Analysis: In his second year, Ranger has a career-high four goals and 26 points and is considered one of the team's top passers. He is listed as day to day and we should know more by Saturday as to the extent of the injury. When healthy, Ranger is a low-end Fantasy option.
News: On Sunday, Paul Ranger and Filip Kuba scored for the Lightning, who have a 12-game winning streak against Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Ranger still has just three points (1 G, 2 A) over the past 10 games. He remains useful only in larger Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Lightning second-year D Paul Ranger scored his third goal of the season, his second in five games, Saturday against the Rangers. Ranger has 22 points, surpassing his rookie total of 17.
Analysis: Ranger remains useful only in larger Fantasy leagues at this point. He is not a big goal scorer but is a decent source of assists.
News: D Dan Boyle, C Ryan Craig, C Andreas Karlsson, D Filip Kuba and D Paul Ranger all contributed assists in Tuesday's game against the Flyers.
Analysis: Ranger has a goal and three assists over the past four games, but he remains useful only in larger Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Paul Ranger has two goals and 20 points with a plus-3 rating and 26 penalty minutes through 48 games at the All-Star break.
Analysis: Ranger has a goal and three assists over the past five games. He also has had an even or positive rating in 14 of the past 16 starts. He remains a solid No. 4 or 5 Fantasy option in most formats.
News: Paul Ranger (hand) returned to the lineup for Thursday's game at Minnesota. He had two assists and a plus-1 rating in 19:05 of ice time.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Ranger back into the active Fantasy lineup in all larger leagues.
News: Paul Ranger missed his second straight on Tuesday at Montreal due to a hand injury.
Analysis: The club has not divulged a lot of details, but it doesn't sound too serious from all published reports. Consider him day to day until further notice.
News: Lightning D Paul Ranger (hand) was out of the lineup on Saturday against the Canadiens.
Analysis: When healthy, Ranger is only worth using as No. 3 or 4 Fantasy rearguard in most larger formats
News: Ruslan Fedotenko, Paul Ranger and Vincent Lecavalier scored third-period goals to help the Tampa Bay Lightning rally for a 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.
Analysis: Despite the goal, Ranger is only worth using as No. 3 or 4 Fantasy rearguard in most larger formats.
News: Paul Ranger was scoreless with a minus-1 rating in 22:16 of ice time with two shots on goal in Monday's game at N.Y. Islanders.
Analysis: Ranger has not lit the lamp in 15 games this season, but he does have six assists over the past eight games. He remains a decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy defenseman in most leagues.
News: Paul Ranger (foot) was able to play in Thursday's regular season opener at Atlanta. He was scoreless, but was able to rack up a plus-1 rating with three shots on goal in 22:56 of ice time.
Analysis: Ranger is a deep sleeper in all Fantasy leagues, as he will see a significant increase in playing time following the departure of Pavel Kubina to Toronto.
News: D Paul Ranger enjoyed a solid rookie year following an early season call-up from the minor leagues. As the season went on he improved to the point where he was arguably the team's best defenseman in the postseason. But a hairline fracture in his foot caused him to miss all six exhibition games, which the team hopes doesn't stunt his learning curve for the start of the regular season.
Analysis: Ranger was tested at times last year, which explains the opportunities he had, but he is worth owning in larger Fantasy leagues now that the Lightning will rely on him even more with Pavel Kubina in a different jersey.
News: The St. Petersburg Times reports Paul Ranger (fractured left foot) has healed well enough so that he might be able to play in Thursday's regular season opener at Atlanta.
Analysis: Ranger is expected to see time on the team's power play, so he might be worth a look in most Fantasy formats if you need help on defense.
News: The St. Petersburg Times reports Paul Ranger suffered a broken left foot after taking a shot off of his left foot during the first day of scrimmages. The specific injury is a non-displaced fracture of the first metatarsal, if you are interested in looking up a foot chart on the Internet.
Analysis: Ranger had a strong season for the Lightning last season and he has 30-35 point potential, seeing time on the power play, this season. He is considered questionable for the team's regular season opener at Atlanta on Oct. 5, which is two weeks from now.
News: Paul Ranger has no goals and 13 assists and a team-high plus-13 rating through 52 games at the Olympic Games break.
Analysis: Ranger is having a solid season for the Lightning, but he is a lot more valuable to his real team than to a Fantasy squad.
News: Paul Ranger was second on the Lightning in ice time (22:41) for Sunday's game at Washington, but he was scoreless with one shot on goal.
Analysis: Ranger has gone scoreless in 11 of the past 12 games, posting just one assist on Saturday at Philadelphia. He is far more valuable to his real team for his stay-at-home defense than he is to a Fantasy squad.
News: Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina missed his second consecutive game with a groin strain.
Analysis: Kubina should be reserved in all formats. Rookie D Paul Ranger saw more time in his absence.
