From Fluto's mailbag

Please tell me that Shane Hnidy will get the nod over Steve Montador as the sixth defenseman with Andrew Ference back. Since Montador was acquired, I feel as though he has hurt the team (with multiple mistakes per game) more than he has helped. Hnidy is a solid defender who doesn't make too many mistakes and has been a solid team guy all year.
Eric, Cumberland, R.I.

A: Eric, I don't think you'll get your wish. My guess is that Ference will be back with Dennis Wideman, and Montador plays with Mark Stuart on the third pairing. I would have agreed with you before the start of the playoffs. Hnidy looked to be a safer player. There's also good chemistry between Hnidy and Stuart. I thought Montador had a little too much of Wideman's old game in him -- taking chances and not being dependable in his own zone. But Montador was very good against Montreal. Took the risk out of his game. Had nine blocked shots in Game 3. He's a better puck-mover than Hnidy and a better skater. Tough call. But I think Montador gets the nod this time. That said, there will be injuries. Hnidy will get playing time down the road.