On this night, a hospital Ward

Veteran absorbs hit from Gonchar

PITTSBURGH - Aaron Ward is expected to make his way back to Boston today after remaining overnight at Presbyterian University Hospital in the wake of getting hit in the throat by Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar during the Bruins' 2-1 win last night at Mellon Arena.

With 4:05 gone in the second period, Ward closed on Gonchar along the boards. Just as Ward was about to make contact, Gonchar lifted both hands while holding his stick, and jammed his gloved right hand hard into Ward's throat.

Down on all fours and clutching his throat, writhing in pain, Ward was first tended to by trainer Don DelNegro. After a minute or two, he was brought to his feet by fellow defensemen Andrew Ference and Zdeno Chara, who helped escort the 35-year-old off the ice and into the runway that leads to the Boston dressing room.

Free of his teammates' grasp, Ward appeared to stumble after a few steps. According to team spokesman Eric Tosi, Ward soon thereafter was able to walk under his own power to an ambulance and was transported to Presbyterian.

"I don't know what happened," said Chara, who was only seconds out of the penalty box when Gonchar nailed Ward. "When I got there, he was holding his throat and making a choking sound . . . like he was gasping for air."

Coach Claude Julien said Ward should be OK but was held overnight for observation because he "was spitting up some blood."

Assistant trainer Derek Repucci remained in town overnight and will accompany Ward to Boston once the blue liner is discharged from the hospital.

Back pains Kobasew

Chuck Kobasew, sidelined in the third period of Tuesday night's loss to Carolina, did not dress against the Penguins. According to Julien, he was sidelined by a back injury, one that isn't expected to keep him out too long.

"If it were a playoff game, maybe we'd have gotten him in there," said Julien. "But he didn't have much [range of motion]."

In light of Kobasew's absence, Julien played mix-and-match with his lines in hopes of wringing out some much-needed offense.

With Kobasew on the sideline along with his 19 goals (tied with Marco Sturm for the team lead), Julien moved Jeremy Reich into the lineup. Reich had not suited up since Feb. 5. And from there, Julien initially made out his lines this way:

Top center Marc Savard was reunited with P.J. Axelsson (LW) and Glen Murray. The trio played well at times before Murray (hip flexor) exited the lineup in late December for the better part of seven weeks. Last night, they combined for seven shots but did not get on the board. Savard was called for three obstruction minors.

Glen Metropolit started between Sturm (LW) and Phil Kessel. Kessel had been the first line's right wing, but was demoted in the second period Tuesday night. Metropolit assisted on the first goal, playing between Milan Lucic and Petteri Nokelainen, a trio Julien used again later.

Rookie David Krejci worked the slot for Lucic (LW) and Nokelainen.

Shawn Thornton, fresh from two goals the night before, played the left side on a line with Vladimir Sobotka (C) and Reich. Reich set up Sobotka's first career goal, and Thornton added a helper.

The Bruins arrived here mired in a 1-4-0 slide. In the losses, they cobbled together only eight goals. And in less than 15 minutes inside the Igloo, they struck twice against Ty Conklin.

Taking it slow

Andrew Alberts, who has missed more than a quarter of the season (25 games), did not make the trip and likely will not travel to Toronto for Saturday's game. It's likely, though not a guarantee, that he'll travel and work out with the club for the three upcoming games in the Sun Belt - Carolina, and the pair in Florida (Sunrise and Tampa).

"I hope so," said Julien, "but I can't say for sure. He is skating a little bit on his own, and he feels good. But with head injuries, it can change overnight."

Alberts, his head drilled into the boards by Scott Hartnell Nov. 26 in Philadelphia, played the next 10 games through Dec. 15 before experiencing concussion-like symptoms, and has spent the better part of two months unable to perform much in the way of physical activity.

Thomas back in form

Tim Thomas, who turned in a rare stinker Saturday in a 6-3 loss to the Panthers, was back in the net and turned back 20 shots . . . Peter Schaefer, still hindered by a gash to the bone in one of his shins, sat out his fourth straight game. No indication how soon he will return . . . The Penguins' 4-2 win over the Bruins here Dec. 23 was the start of a streak in which they won eight straight games and had points in 10 (9-0-1). Entering last night, they had gone 15-3-3 since Dec. 23 . . . The Bruins won 63 percent of the faceoffs. Metropolit and Krejci combined to win 22 of 28 (78.6 percent) . . . Evgeni Malkin and Petr Sykora collected 10 of the Penguins' 21 shots.