Boston Globe (Fluto Shinzawa):
April 14, 2008 03:30 PM
Guy Carbonneau acknowledged his staff is considering lineup changes for tomorrow’s match. When asked, because of the physical nature of the series, whether 6-foot-5 defenseman Ryan O’Byrne was under consideration, Carbonneau said yes. Montreal has had the same lineup for the first three games.
* Saku Koivu is not considered close to returning. Koivu is scheduled for an X-ray on his fractured left foot on Wednesday. Koivu has not skated and is wearing a walking boot off the ice.
* Count Carbonneau as a Milan Lucic admirer. “He’s been their best player by a long shot,” said Carbonneau. “He’s played really well. I like the way he plays. He’s physical, he’s got good speed, he gets involved. I really enjoy watching him.”
* The Bruins have limited the Montreal power play, the best in the NHL during the regular season, to a lone man-advantage goal. “We have to be harder around the net and hungrier for rebounds,” said Tomas Plekanec. “That’s what’s missing in our game. Not just the power play but the whole game.”
* Tom Kostopoulos, Montreal’s unlikely goal-scoring leader (two strikes in three games), noted two things that have been key to his line. “Keep things simple and get pucks to the net,” said Kostopoulos.