Team could use a Green streak

Travis Green isn't here necessarily for his goal scoring. But come playoff time, it's often the Travis Greens of the world, the gritty third- and fourth-liners, who mean as much as the front-liners.

"We can't just rely on Big Joe's line to score," said Green, whose goal 38 seconds into the second period last night ultimately translated into a point in the standings in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Canadiens on Causeway Street. "We need to get contributions from the rest of the lineup."

Sidelined most of the new year by some nasty torn rib cartilage, Green returned to the lineup looking like his characteristic self. "Abrasive," said coach Mike Sullivan. "He really competes. I think we're a better team when he's in the lineup."

As it turned out, the scoresheet was better because of him, too. Parked in the slot, the 33-year-old Green knocked down a Nick Boynton wrister from the blue line, and then finished off a quick pirouette with a backhand sweep by Montreal goalie Jose Theodore. Fairly fancy work for a grinder.

"It's not going to be easy to score in the playoffs," noted Green. "It never is."

Green worked the middle on a line with fellow oldsters Ted Donato, who will turn 35 come playoff time, and 34-year-old Rob Zamuner. Donato picked up an assist on Green's goal. If the trio can keep providing senior moments like that, they could remain on the same combination through the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs.

"We were joking that we might be the oldest line in hockey," said Green. "But actually, I think the Maple Leafs might have been in that department with [Mats] Sundin, [Mikael] Renberg, and [Gary] Roberts."

Marty Lapointe had Boston's other strike, a power-play goal. The No. 1 Boston line, with Joe Thornton centering Mike Knuble and Glen Murray, was shut down for a third straight game. All of which only underscored Green's words about the need for the rest of the lineup to put some points on the board. All contributions gladly accepted.

As for his tender ribs, they were just fine, said Green. He took a heavy hit in the first, appeared to be shaken, but he took the brunt of the blow to his head. Injury OK. A neat goal in the bank.

"Yeah, nice to contribute," he said. "But the win would have made it better."