Future status of G Hodson still unclear

TAMPA -- The Lightning's game tonight against the Thrashers at the St. Pete Times Forum is its last before Friday's waiver draft. With Kevin Hodson's attempt to become Nikolai Khabibulin's backup still being evaluated, it seems logical Hodson would get another look.

But Khabibulin is expected to start.

Don't read anything into that, general manager Jay Feaster said. "The fact that (Hodson) is not playing Tuesday means nothing, pro or con."

The Lightning may not decide Hodson's fate until well into October. It is speculation, but it makes some sense.

Tampa Bay's first 10 games through Oct. 30 are well spaced. It plays Oct. 18-19, but that is after a six-day rest. Its next back to back is Oct. 25-26, meaning Khabibulin could carry the team well into the month and give the Lightning a lot of time to evaluate Hodson.

The Lightning could enter the waiver draft, and reports out of Ottawa say goalie Jani Hurme might be available. If Tampa Bay stands pat, Feaster said the next option is a trade, which could take time to work out.

Hodson, 30, can derail these contingency plans if he continues to play well.

With 34 saves in Saturday's victory over the Panthers, Hodson's save percentage is an excellent .935. He still gives up too many rebounds, but his attitude is right, he is great in the locker room and his teammates appear willing to play hard in front of him.

"And that's important," Feaster said.

Asked if Hodson will be on the opening-night roster, Feaster said, "I'm not ready to say that yet."

"I feel like I've come a long way," Hodson said. "I'm just trying to work hard and get some consistency in my game. If you prepare properly, you shouldn't have to worry about anything."

WAIVER DRAFT: A trade freeze goes into affect at 2 p.m. today until the draft is completed. Protected lists (players to be kept out of the draft) are due at 4 and will be released Wednesday.

WHO'S LINE IS IT, ANYWAY?: Coach John Tortorella is toying with moving Vinny Prospal from third-line center to second-line left wing with center Vinny Lecavalier and right wing Ruslan Fedotenko. It is part of the Lightning's constant search for offense and, Prospal added, "It gets me more ice time, too."

"It's just something we want to see and something that might be in (tonight's) game," Tortorella said.

CLEARED TO GO: Lecavalier (bruised right shoulder) and defenseman Jassen Cullimore (bruised left thigh) were cleared to play against Atlanta.

"I'm not sure if it feels better or everything else feels so bad," Cullimore said, smiling.

Lecavalier said his shoulder "feels pretty good. When I was on the ice (during practice) last week it was hurting more, but now it's actually doing good."

Left wing Dave Andreychuk (broken right little toe) skated Monday but is a few days from returning to play.

"The soreness you have to put up with," he said. "It's the swelling more than anything else, but it's gone down a lot the last couple of days."

CONNECTIONS: Defenseman Darren Rumble, who has played just 27 NHL games since 1995-96, has a shot at a roster spot and hopes some front-office familiarity might help him.

Feaster was GM of AHL Hershey, and Lightning director of player personnel Bill Barber was coach when Rumble played there in 1995-96. Rumble played for the Philadelphia Phantoms the next season, when Barber coached the Flyers' new AHL affiliate.

Feaster called Rumble the day before Lightning training camp opened. Rumble said he was on a plane the next day. He signed a two-way contract that pays $400,000 if he makes the team.

"I guess having a couple of people familiar with who I am helps the coaching staff find out what kind of player I am, rather than them starting from scratch," Rumble said.