Modin on line that suits him

TAMPA -- Coach John Tortorella was blunt when asked what he expects from left wing Fredrik Modin.

"We need Mo to be better and stay healthy," he said.

Any questions?

Recovered from the strained groin that kept him out of Tampa Bay's first two games, Modin returned to action Friday against the Thrashers at the St. Pete Times Forum. He played on a line with center Alexander Svitov and right wing Sheldon Keefe.

"It's always frustrating when you can't play," said Modin, who missed time last season because of a wrist injury that required surgery. "It's extremely frustrating when you're missing the start of the season and the home opener."

After some early special-teams work, Modin picked up an assist during his first even-strength shift on Dan Boyle's goal with a behind-the-back pass.

He took two shots in 22 shifts.

Tortorella said Modin must work on getting his game back and acknowledged it could take some time.

"You always have something to prove," Modin said. His linemates might help. Keefe's usual hard work along the boards is good for puck possession, and Svitov should be able to feed Modin's 102.1 mph slap shot.

BOYLE STREAKING: Boyle's goal, his first of the season, extended his career-best scoring streak to six games, dating to last season. He had an assist in each of Tampa Bay's first three games.

WILLIS LOOKING FORWARD: Right wing Shane Willis, sent to AHL Springfield as the Lightning's final cut, said he was bitter because of the demotion but realized that was not helping his situation.

"I think the main thing for me is to put the puck in the net," he said. "If I'm doing that, I should get called back up."

"He's disappointed, obviously," Willis' agent, Pat Brisson, said. "But he hasn't pointed the finger at anyone. He's a big boy and he's going to roll up his sleeves."

It has been a slow process. Willis had no points in two games heading into Friday's contest against Providence and was minus-4. He said he was disappointed when no team claimed him off waivers.

PRATT OUT AGAIN: Defenseman Nolan Pratt was a healthy scratch for the third consecutive game. He is disappointed to be the odd man out as the seventh defenseman but a face-to-face with Tortorella eased some concerns.

"Some of the things he told me gave me a little more confidence," Pratt said. "He just told me to wait for my chance. When I get it, I will make the best of it."

ONE-TIMERS: Captain Dave Andreychuk played his 1,446th game, tying Tim Horton for 10th all-time. ... Defenseman Brad Lukowich had two assists for his second career multipoint game. ... Forwards Chris Dingman and Andre Roy, both serving league suspensions, were scratched.