Not much really going on out at the Forum on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Though the players were summoned to the arena, there was a note on the dry erase board in big bold letters that NOBODY IS TO GO ON THE ICE. Instead, it was a video day and the players watched about 45 minutes to an hours worth of clips, likely showing what they did well in the first period and what they didn’t do so well in the third period.

Perhaps the most noteworthy element coming out of today was that defenseman Paul Ranger - who did skate, by the way - could possibly receive clearance either Monday or Tuesday to return to action, which means there’s a good chance he could be in the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Islanders. Lightning coach Barry Melrose said the team is as optimistic as they have been that Ranger will be cleared to return to the ice.

Caught up with Jeff Halpern today and he was walking around the locker room in a very casual manner. His rehab from major reconstructive is on target and he said he is hitting all his deadlines in terms of what he is able to do with the right knee which was damaged at the World Championships. Said the target date for a return remains mid-December at the earliest, a little later if they want to be cautious. He said that he’s skating every weekday for about an hour or so depending on whether or not he has company on the ice. Weekends, he takes off.

Noticed Jussi Jokinen walking around at one point with his left sandal in his hand while he was wearing the right sandal was still on his foot. That’s because his left foot was wrapped up in a bandage, although I didn’t see any kind of ice in the area.

Gary Roberts did take to the ice this morning, minus his pads, as he was trying out a couple of new sticks - or he was giving Paul Ranger some company on the ice, but definitely one or the other.

Hope everybody had a chance to catch the diary from Steven Stamkos this morning/afternoon. It was interesting to hear him talk about trying to find himself a place to live. He’s going to sit down with me on a weekly basis and let us into his journey through the NHL season from a rookie’s point of view.