"Lightning G Mike Smith said it is "kind of disappointing" that GM Steve Yzerman decided to bring in veteran G Dwayne Roloson.

Nothing against Roloson, but Smith said he is sure having three goalies on the roster, including Dan Ellis, is not workable long term, which means the pressure is on every time he or Ellis is in net.

"It's not the ideal situation," Smith said. "So, right now, for me, I have to focus on getting healthy, and when I do get an opportunity, it's that much more important now than ever before. … I know I'm probably going to get another chance. I've just got to take advantage of it."

Before he was hurt, Smith played two of his best games of the season in beating the Thrashers and Sabres with a combined 49 saves on 51 shots.

But despite his 10-5-0 record, Smith's 3.20 goals-against average and .883 save percentage are near the bottom of the league. Ellis, though 11-6-5, isn't much better, with a 3.03 GAA and .886 save percentage entering Wednesday.

"Both Ellie and I felt like we were getting back to the way we were used to playing," Smith said. "The last three weeks we played some great games, and we were doing well as a team, so it's kind of one of those things."

A thing that might end up with either Smith or Ellis traded, waived or perhaps sent to the minors.

"That makes it that much more important when you get an opportunity to do well," Smith said. "If I was sitting at 5-10, I think I'd be a little more anxious and upset.""