INSIDE HOCKEY

The new Tampa Bay Lightning training camp is open, and this is truly a case of needing a scorecard - but not just to tell the players. Even veteran beat writers and other long-time team watchers puzzled as to exactly who each new coach and front-office executive was.

The team, with new owners, a new coaching staff and only a handful of returning players seems as out of place as the location of their camp, the St. Pete Times Forum, where the Lightning regularly play their season. Previous camps have all been held at a nearby skating rink.

If the first two days are any indication, the coaches and the players appear to be having more fun than they deserve - but why not? Gone are the trademarks of the previous administrations training regiment - the three mile run followed by the high-speed 18 lap skates, culminating in the almost mandatory vomit, that marked the essence of what was known as "Camp Torture-Ella" (named after former coach John Tortorella).

Instead, the players, separated into two groups, enjoyed a high spirited 90 minutes on ice, marked by a variety of drills and punctuated with plenty of breaks for hydration.

When it was over, coach Barry Melrose hollered down the corridor from his office, to know one in particular, "That was a great day!"

Vinny Watch: Returning from off-season shoulder surgery, it appears that Lecavalier's rehab may still have some work. he notably flinched in discomfort when changing sweaters for different drills, and had to have the assistance of an equipment man.