Grinder makes good use of gifted linemates

Jason Ward shows a spark of offense while alongside the Lightning's Vinnies.

By EDUARDO A. ENCINA, Times Staff Writer
Published December 22, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Jason Ward scored the tying goal Thursday, his first game since moving up from the checking line.

TAMPA -- Jason Ward is a grinder, the blue-collar kind of hockey player who has made his career by keeping his feet moving and chasing pucks.

But as Lightning coach John Tortorella searched for balance within his lines heading into Thursday's game against Toronto -- his roster decimated by injuries -- he plucked Ward, who had spent most of the season on the checking lines, and placed him in an unfamiliar spot among two of the team's top offensive weapons.

And while playing beside Vinny Lecavalier and Vinny Prospal was different, Ward assimilated well, scoring the Lightning's first goal in a 2-1 win over the Leafs, a much-needed victory that stopped the team's three-game losing streak.

"Those guys will make you look good," the wing said. "They have a lot of ability. You don't have to do as much with them out there. You just keep making smart plays and smart decisions, and it will make things work.

"I don't change my game when I play with them. I don't try to. Whoever plays with them has the chance to play well."

Against the Leafs, Lecavalier found Ward streaking between the circles, and Ward lifted a shot over the left shoulder of Vesa Toskala for the tying goal.

It was Ward's second goal in as many games -- he scored shorthanded Tuesday against Atlanta -- and likely helped preserve his spot with Lecavalier and Prospal for tonight's game against Carolina.

"He's been playing better, and that's where it gives us the flexibility to put him there," Tortorella said. "The reason why you're there is because what you brought on those third and fourth lines is what we need on the top two lines.

"I think that's where Jason really worked at (Thursday), is playing his game," Tortorella added. "If you're put in that situation where you're going to go to the net and be in areas where you can score a goal, they're going to get you the puck."

Ward has been satisfied with his role on the third and fourth lines and admits it suits his style. But he said playing on an offensive line -- and getting on the scoresheet -- gave his confidence a much-needed boost.

The 11th overall pick by the Canadiens in 1997, Ward has put together five 50-point seasons in the minors but never scored more than 10 goals in an NHL season. His goal Thursday was his fifth of the season through 35 games.

"I know I can do it," said Ward, 28, who was acquired from the Kings at last season's trade deadline. "It's just a matter of my confidence saying I can do it. Through my NHL career, I haven't had those kinds of numbers that I would have liked. I've done it in the AHL and the (junior level) OHL, but I definitely have that ability. I just need that confidence to tell me I can do it at this level."

"But it's winning that's the most fun thing," he added. "If it takes playing with those guys and we're working together and we're winning, that's great. If it's a checking line that's taking down some No. 1 lines, if that's where I'm playing and we're winning, then that's the No. 1 thing."

Eduardo A. Encina can be reached at eencina@tampabay.com.

[Last modified December 22, 2007, 01:14:28]