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Pushing For His Place

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By CRISTINA LEDRA, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 26, 2007

TAMPA - Searching for the positives of an early playoff exit isn't something most players want to consider, but Lightning defenseman Doug Janik found one that has fueled his pursuit of landing a roster spot.

Last summer, after signing with Tampa Bay as a free agent, Janik had little turnaround time after advancing to the Eastern Conference finals while with the Buffalo Sabres.

This summer, after the Lightning were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Janik had ample time to improve his game.

'Last year I was in shape, but I think this summer our season ended earlier than mine did last year, so I had a little more time to rest and prepare,' said Janik, 27. 'I knew coming into camp I had to make a good impression and try to be in the best shape I could, and hopefully it pays off.'

There were no big changes to Janik's offseason routine. He worked with a personal trainer at home in Massachusetts and took advantage of the time he had to become a better player.

When camp started Sept. 13, the 6-foot-1, 209-pounder was quick to dazzle his teammates, even lapping some of them during conditioning drills.

'During the skating you could really tell that he came in ready for training camp and to play for the team and play for his position,' defenseman Filip Kuba said.

Janik hasn't been told anything about a roster spot, even in light of Dan Boyle's wrist injury. But with the way he has been performing during the preseason, he's at the front of a group of young defensemen hoping to make the opening-night roster.

'That sixth spot is ever-going,' Coach John Tortorella said. 'Whether we keep six here or seven here, that sixth spot is going to be evolving and really I'll even go to the fifth spot. A lot of the kids, like Bryce Lampman is in the picture as far as taking another look; we're happy with Mike Lundin, Dougie Janik is a big part of that and Matt Smaby, so we'll see.

'But I think by the fifth exhibition game Saturday at Dallas we'll have a pretty good idea on how we're going to start the season.'

In addition to concentrating on improving during the summer, Janik looked for a one-way contract, even if it meant leaving Tampa Bay, something he didn't want to do because of the Lightning's focus on winning.

'Everybody wants a one-way contract that's in my situation,' said Janik, who will earn $475,000 if he makes the team, $100,000 if he's sent to the minors. 'Obviously I didn't get one, but I felt all along that this is where I wanted to be. I just have to come into Tampa, work hard, come in good shape and try to prove myself all over again, and that's what I'm in the middle of trying to do.'

The Lightning didn't want Janik to leave following his first year with the team, a season in which he made a good impression playing alongside Kuba.

'I wanted him back here because I thought he progressed very well with us last year and I wanted to continue with him,' Tortorella said. 'Dougie and his agent were upset that they were put on a two-way contract, but to me if you're upset about the two-way, don't even bring the two-way into it.

'Make the National Hockey League team and just worry about the top end of the contract and he's equipped himself to do that. He's a good kid and obviously left no stone unturned as far as his conditioning.'

GRATTON BACK: Chris Gratton returned to the ice Tuesday wearing a protective visor on his helmet to protect his eyes after suffering a corneal abrasion from an errant stick his left eye a week ago today. Gratton said he has never worn a shield before and though it is uncomfortable, he intends to continue to wear it.

'I've had some other close calls around my eye, but never one where I could actually feel the stick touching my eye,' Gratton said.

After taking part in practice, Gratton was put through skating drills by assistant coach Mike Sullivan. Gratton is expected to be ready to play Thursday in Detroit.

INJURY UPDATES: Jason Ward left practice Tuesday after sustaining a tendon strain in his left ankle. The injury is not considered serious. ... LW Ryan Craig continues to be day-to-day with a herniated disc in his back. He will continue to receive treatment in an effort to loosen up his lower back. ... RW Michel Ouellet (hamstring) practiced for the second consecutive day and is expected to play Thursday in Detroit. ... Tortorella said he hopes to have the regular lineup on the ice in the preseason finale Saturday in Dallas.

Reporter Erik Erlendsson contributed to this report. Reporter Cristina Ledra can be reached at (813) 948-4203 or cledra@tampatrib.com.

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