Lightning/NHL

Denis keeps focus despite not starting

By EDUARDO A. ENCINA
Published November 12, 2006

TAMPA - As Johan Holmqvist made his third straight start in goal for Tampa Bay on Saturday against Atlanta, Marc Denis watched from the bench. Denis hasn't played in a week, when he allowed six goals in an overtime loss to Boston.

"I'm looking forward to the next start," Denis said. "I'm our biggest fan when I'm sitting out. I want to see the team win and do well."

By starting Holmqvist, coach John Tortorella is riding the hot hand of the backup goaltender. Meanwhile, Denis said he's keeping things in perspective as he sits.

"I'm not trying to turn my game around," Denis said. "It's not a disastrous situation where I'm trying to change everything around or something like that. That being said, the timing couldn't be better. Holmer is playing well; we're scoring and winning hockey games."

CRAIG FEELS GOOD: Forward Ryan Craig logged 17:30 of on-ice time Wednesday in his first game back from a right knee injury. Although he felt healthy after the game against Pittsburgh, he said, he did feel rusty because he hadn't played in 3½ weeks.

"It's coming," Craig said. "It just feels good to contribute and help this team win hockey games. That's my focus. I want to be out there playing with them and helping to contribute to the success we've had recently. It's just a matter of time."

Craig said he was overly excited to get back on the ice after a long layoff. "This is our job. This is what we love to do. When you don't get the opportunity to do it for three weeks, it's tough. More than anything, it's the pure excitement of getting back. And now it's about settling in and playing the game."

RUMOR MILL: Whispers in Edmonton say the Oilers may be interested in defenseman Dan Boyle.

Lightning general manager Jay Feaster never comments about potential player moves, but there is no indication Tampa Bay has called Edmonton about Boyle. And unless the Oilers back up a truck to the Lightning's door, at this point, it doesn't seem as if Tampa Bay would want to part with the scrappy player.

Boyle had just eight assists entering Saturday and had gone five games without a point. But no Lightning defenseman can move the puck as well. With 145 points his previous three seasons, Boyle has plenty of upside. And he has a no-trade clause.

NO TRAPS: Asked if he feared Saturday's home game might be a trap after a 3-0-1 trip, Tortorella said he believed his team wouldn't have a letdown.

"If this is a trap game in the mind-set of our guys, then we have major problems, and I don't think it is." Tortorella said. "I think our guys know the importance of us playing at home. ... I think you have to have the road mentality when you come home."

Eduardo A. Encina can be reached at eencina@sptimes.com Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com or 727 893-8622.

[Last modified November 12, 2006, 05:50:43]