Filling the gaps

If you want to make a full day of hounding in Tampa, you really have to stop by the St. Pete Times Forum to snag a couple autographs from the Lightning. There's a window of opportunity between the visiting team's ride to the morning skate and its return to the hotel.

As you can see, I followed my own advice on Tuesday, getting Lightning defenseman Paul Ranger to sign this program. Vinny Prospal signed one, too. Cory Sarich signed a couple of cards and goalie Johan Holmqvist, who has wrestled away the starting gig from Marc Denis, signed a puck.

And, yes, Marty St. Louis signed a stick for Colin before I cut short the session to head back to the Kings' hotel.

Like I've said before, though, don't expect everyone to stop. Vinny Lecavalier and Brad "Dime on a Dollar" Richards are really hit-and-miss. Tim Taylor, nearing the end of his NHL run, and Nikita Alexeev seldom take time to sign. Most everyone else, though, shows their appreciation toward fans.