Update from Julien

Claude Julien concluded his morning briefing at the Bell Centre. Julien said he scrubbed the skate because he was pleased with the three previous days of practice and that they wouldn't have accomplished much more this morning.

* Marc Savard (back) will be a game-time decision. "If he can be in, it's because he's 100 percent," said Julien. "If we put a guy like him back in, it means you're taking a healthy guy out."

* Julien on Tim Thomas and his struggles against Montreal: "We certainly don't have to point the finger at him as far as not being good," said Julien, noting how poorly Thomas's teammates played in front of him. "He's got an opportunity to come in here and show what he's done for our team all year."

* Julien reiterated that Patrice Bergeron will not be available tonight. Bergeron is scheduled to skate this morning. "He deserves a lot of credit," said Julien. "He's a real smart individual. He understands everything. He wants to play. He knows what's at stake, and I'm not talking about the playoffs itself but his career. When he feels 100 percent ready, he's going to give us the OK."

* Julien on staying out of the box: "If you're not disciplined, you might as well give them the series."