Gary Roberts News

It's hard to believe that it was just a little less than a year ago that former Tampa Bay coach Barry Melrose called out the Lightning 's 2008 first-round pick, , saying he wasn't physically ready to play in the NHL .

Almost a year later, Recchi is not surprised to see the top pick in the 2008 draft taking flight.

Brian Burke has been besieged by free advice on how to turn around the Maple Leafs.

Gary Roberts works at his Toronto fitness centre 'Station Seven.' RALEIGH N.C. - Gary Roberts was highly respected as the Maple Leafs fitness fanatic in his playing days, but now he wonders if poor conditioning is a reason his old team is near last place.

After another goal in a season of goals, another two-point night, there was The Kid, all 19 years of him, the Lightning's future king surrounded by the media.

This is the updated version to the Titanic Part 2 movie. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking.

The Lightning finished their morning skate, and another huge scrum was awaiting Steven Stamkos.

What a difference a year makes. When Tampa Bay Lighting center Steven Stamkos entered last season following his selection as the top overall pick in the 2008 NHL entry draft, a ton of pressure was placed on the 18-year-old rookie out of Sarnia of the OHL.

Steven Stamkos, celebrating the second of his two goals against the Devils in the Lightning's home opener, leads the team in goals with nine and is tied for the points lead with Marty St.

New player, new confidence, same old result. Phil Kessel made his much heralded return to NHL hockey - " his first game in a Maple Leaf uniform.

Lightning forward Steven Stamkos celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Ottawa Senators Oct.

At 21 years old, Jonathan Toews is the next young man to captain a team in the NHL.

The Lightning have some early season momentum, and center Steven Stamkos' continued improvement is one reason why.

Retired NHL forward Jeremy Roenick says he would like to see former Detroit Red Wings defenceman Chris Chelios, right, play until age 50.

After a tumultuous year with Tampa Bay last season, Vrbata said he is happy to be back in the desert with Phoenix, where he enjoyed his greatest on-ice success with 27 goals in the 2007-08 season.

Carrying a limp body into the hallway during a training exercise, the Calgary Flames medical staff sparked another round of jokes.

Stephane Veilleux said he will be happy to play as a checking forward next season.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING 2008-09: 24-40-18 Pre-season TSN.ca Power Ranking: 27 General Manager: Brian Lawton Head Coach: Rick Tocchet Give the Lightning credit, they may be a lot of things, but they are never boring.

David Shoalts Lightning co-owner set to give up charge The Tampa Bay Lightning introduce Oren Koules and Len Barrie as part of the new ownership group for the NHL team during a news conference in Tampa, Florida, June 23, 2008.

Of all the important lessons Steven Stamkos learned during his rookie season in the NHL, there is one that stands out most for the Tampa Bay Lightning centre.