Bochenski gets chance

His impressive numbers at AHL Norfolk notwithstanding, newly promoted RW Brandon Bochenski isn't being counted on for a lot of immediate scoring.

Coach Rick Tocchet expects Bochenski, who was called up before Saturday's home victory against the Penguins, to provide a "solid seven to 10 minutes" on the fourth line and not hurt the Lightning defensively.

That wouldn't seem to be a role in which an offensive-minded player would thrive, but Bochenski, who had a team leading 16 goals and 32 points at Norfolk, also is getting some work on the power play and said he's excited about the role.

"Any time you get to play in front of them rather than have them come down (to the minors) and watch me is a bonus," Bochenski said after Monday's practice. "It gives me a chance to show what I can do."

Bochenski's success in the minors has yet to translate into the NHL. In 128 NHL games with Tampa Bay, Nashville, Anaheim, Boston, Chicago and Ottawa, the Minnesota native has totaled 24 goals and 55 points.

Signed as a free agent in July 2008, Bochenski, 27, played in seven games for the Lightning last year and was minus-3 with one assist. Though he isn't considered a physical player, Tocchet said he can be physical enough.

"I don't think he's a guy that's going to crash people," the coach said. "But he can take ice away properly. We're not looking for a bone-crusher. We're looking for a guy who takes ice well. And a guy like him, he gets the puck in the slot, it could be in the net."

Bochenski doesn't believe he had the right opportunity yet in the NHL.

"It's tough," he said. "Down there, I'm playing a lot of minutes. I'm playing power play, and really, my job is to score goals. Every time I'm on the ice, I'm trying to score goals, trying to get in the right spot.

"You know, I haven't really gotten a chance to play that role for an extended period here, where I could get comfortable doing the things I do ... where, instead of trying not to make a mistake, I start making plays."

Smith recognized

G Mike Smith received national recognition Monday for his recent excellent work. He was named the second star of the week by the league for the week that ended Sunday.

Posting a 2-0-1 record with a 1.31 goals-against average and .957 save percentage, Smith helped the Lightning upset Boston and Pittsburgh at home.

"He's really gotten into a groove," Tocchet said. "He's challenged guys and challenged himself. He didn't like the way he was playing about a month ago and he's worked at it. And he's challenged guys to get better by his play."

Nuts and bolts

D Matt Walker (lower body) practiced and has been cleared to return, but with the team on a roll heading into a three-game road trip, Tocchet said he'll have to wait his turn. ... C Jeff Halpern (lower body) participated in part of the practice, and Tocchet said he's close. LW Todd Fedoruk (knee) has a "longer" timetable. ... Pittsburgh native Ryan Malone and Canadian Steven Stamkos have a friendly wager on tonight's World Junior Championship gold medal game between the U.S. and Canada. "It should be exciting," Malone said. "There aren't too many Americans in the (locker) room. It was a close game the other night (Canada 5, USA 4 in a shootout last Thursday), so hopefully the U.S. can flip it this time."

Tony Fabrizio