If you saw that eight-second stretch Wednesday in which Johan Holmqvist made four of his 22 saves in a victory over the Panthers, it would not seem odd that Holmqvist gets the start tonight against the Hurricanes. But it is notable, though, that Marc Denis will sit for the fourth straight game.

Back-to-backs are a natural place for the backup goaltender to get a game. Usually the backup gets the call against the better team; the thinking being your No. 1 goalie gives you the best chance to beat the lower-ranked team. If the backup steals one against the better team, it's a bonus. But Denis will sit tonight as the Lightning continues to hope Holmqvist develops into a real No. 1, and the coaching staff continues to show its lack of confidence in Denis.

Coach John Tortorella this morning said he did not want to get into a long discussion about goaltending, and added, "I want to go with Holmer.'' Denis said he's "just sticking with the program.''

Holmqvist, who has played in 13 of Tampa Bay's 15 games, was very good last season against the Hurricanes, going 3-1-0 with a 1.80 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage. Even so, Tortorella said past performance is not a determining factor for him and his coaching staff when making of-the-moment decisions. "We talked as a group and want to go with Holmer,'' he said.

Perhaps it is as simple as this: The Lightning, 0-7 on the road, needs a victory over a hot and aggressive opponent. Might as well go with the goalie you think is your best.