The Latest Breaking News from Jan Rutta

BRANDON, Fla. — He walks into a cramped conference room and immediately chooses the seat across from the window. Not much really to see, just a parking lot with some trees in the distance.

The predominant theme for the Penguins this offseason was continuity. Sticking with the core despite Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang now closer to 40 than 30. Returning capable wings such as Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell. Bringing back Casey DeSmith instead of shopping for a snazzier complement to…

BRANDON, Fla. — Once the Lightning realized in the days leading up to free agency that they wouldn’t be able to retain forward Ondrej Palat and defenseman Jan Rutta, the team worked quickly to reshape its roster.

PITTSBURGH — The Penguins entered the first day of NHL free agency Wednesday with their eye on signing at least one more forward. But their first significant addition to the NHL roster was a defenseman with size, snarl and two Stanley Cup rings.

TAMPA, Fla. — Just three days after the Lightning lost out on a third straight Stanley Cup to the Colorado Avalanche, general manager Julien BriseBois was forced to have one of those unpleasant offseason conversations with a valued player.

TAMPA, Fla. — When your team is still playing hockey in late June, no one questions your methods.

No Cup celebration for Avs as Palat’s goal with 6:22 remaining helps Lightning stave off elimination

DENVER — Ondrej Palat raised his stick high, calling for the puck as he found himself alone between the hashmarks.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Lightning are playing like they’re ready for the postseason. And with two games remaining on the regular-season schedule, they’ll need this energy heading into next week’s first-round series.