Ellis, Smith have close relationship.
By ERIK ERLENDSSON
eerlendsson@tampatrib.com
SUNRISE - Mike Smith and free-agent acquisition Dan Ellis were supposed to battle during training camp to determine who would mind the Lightning net to start the season. But the gloves never came off after Smith went down three days into camp with a fractured finger.
Ellis got in a pair of starts during last week's four-game road trip - in one he looked sharp, the other not so much.
Smith, meanwhile, not only had seen no game action - he had two scrimmage periods before getting the start in Friday's preseason game at Florida, making 29 saves in a 2-1 overtime victory - but he also had little practice time because he couldn't hold his stick and face shots.
"It's a work in progress, but it was nice seeing the game and feeling good about my game and gaining some confidence here in preseason, getting used to the way the system is played and stuff like that," Smith said. "So, yeah, I'd say I'm satisfied, but there is a lot of work to go still yet."
Evaluating the goaltending situation has been difficult for the coaching staff. While Smith has been unable to see a lot of ice time the past week, Ellis also has been limited in practice with a groin issue that kept him off the ice for a practice or two.
With that much uncertainty during the evaluation process, who gets the nod when the season opens Oct. 9 at home against Atlanta remains to be seen.
In fact, Lightning coach Guy Boucher said he's undecided about how he'll handle the goaltending duties for tonight's preseason finale, whether Smith plays the full 60 minutes or splits time with Ellis.
"There is a big chance I'm going to throw him back out there, so there is a chance he might go out there for the whole game. But there is also a chance he might go for one or two periods or something and then maybe give a bit of the net to Ellis at some point and get him back into the groove a little bit," Boucher said. "But right now I would say I'm leaning toward giving Smith the whole game."
No matter how it all shakes down, Smith and Ellis have been through it before. In fact, they did so together while part of the Dallas organization playing for the Iowa Stars during the 2005-06 season. That year, Smith appeared in 50 games, while Ellis played in 34.
During that time, the two forged a bond that will make the "battle" for playing time a friendly competition throughout the season.
"We both want each other to succeed, but we both know there is only one net for two guys. That's just part of being a goaltender," Ellis said. "We both understand there is a competition, but the team is the No. 1 thing. If you are not producing wins or not keeping the puck out of the net, you want that other guy in there."
Smith said having Ellis around this season allows him to have not only a goaltending partner to bounce ideas off, but also a friend in a similar position to be able to discuss the game with.
"We both want to play, we both want to help the team win," Smith said. "But I think when you are good friends with your goalie partner, that makes it easier when you are not playing to watch someone that you enjoy watching, you enjoy being around. It's really helpful. We can talk about our games to each other and I think it's going to be an exciting year for both of us.
"Whether it's Dan in net or it's me, we are both going to support each other and whatever happens happens for a reason and we will be behind each other 100 percent."
Reporter Erik Erlendsson can be reached at (813) 259-7835. Follow on Twitter @erlendssontrib
Photo Credit: Staff photo by BOB HANSEN
Photo: Goaltender Mike Smith, getting some work in during Thursday's practice, has been sidelined for most of the preseason with a fractured finger.
Photo: Mike Smith, left, and Dan Ellis are in the midst of a friendly "battle" as they fight to be named the starter in net for the Lightning.
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