Just a general mix of posts from around the Interweb.  Interesting news and great reads alike.

Lighning related:

• It's the cusp of the prospect-signing season, and Bolt Prospects has you covered with the who, the why, and the how of who may be getting signed shortly. [Bolt Prospects]
• Vincent Lecavalier chimes in with the Matt Cooke/Marc Savard incident from this weeknd. The team captain is very much aware of Cooke's reputation -- having had his season ended by way of a Cooke hit.  [Lightning Strikes]
• Puck Daddy compliments the line of St. Louis / Stamkos / Downie as the hottest line in the NHL... And tries to get his head around the fact that he just said "Downie" and "hottest line in the NHL. [Puck Daddy]
• Joe Bolts Fan quotes Phil Esposito's praise for new Lightning owner Jeff Vinik.  [JoeBoltsFan]
• Great post by Nolan of Frozen Sheets Hockey, which generalizes the Eastern Conference in grades for each team... And how the Bolts have to play at and above their grade level.  [Frozen Sheets Hockey]
• Colorado Avalanche right-winger Chris Stewart is the NHL's first star of the week after recording five goals and four assists in four games. Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos is the second star while Florida Panthers defenceman Bryan McCabe bagged third star honors.  [TSN]
• Martin St. Louis is set to be re-evaluated today after his big bump during Saturday's victory against the Thrashers.  [Lightning Strikes]

Around the rink:

• Former Bolt (who had his career ended by way of post concussion syndrome) has an interesting take on how to combat the damage from illegal hits: make the equipment softer.  [Pro Hockey Talk ]
• Options for avenging a cheap shot are fairly limited  [Bourne's Blog]
• Another interesting article form JT Bourne is talking about the effect of "Show Dough" on guys who bounce between the AHL and NHL.  [Bourne's Blog]
• While perhaps never official, at one time it was assumed that the 2011 NHL All Star game was going to be held in Phoenix. But in January, apparently those plans changed as the NHL quietly opened up bidding to other NHL franchises who wanted to host the extravaganza. [From The Rink]
• Another edition of SB Nation's flagship radio show and podcast, Rink Side Radio, will be tonight.  Check it ut form 9-10 PM [From The Rink]

General Sports:

• Sport blogging granddaddy Eric McErlain talks about Versus directly challenging the standard of sports news: ESPN's Sportscenter.  [Off Wing Opinion]