Ward: game-time decision
Claude Julien termed Aaron Ward, who made it through the morning skate without significant limitations, as a game-time decision.
Julien also said there has been no determination on whether Phil Kessel will re-enter the lineup. Kessel was one of 15 Bruins to practice this morning.
* Julien didn't sound like a coach who will make drastic changes headed into tonight's must-win game. "If we bring a lot of the same that we brought so far, which has allowed us to be in the last three games, with finding a way to score some goals, I think that's the solution," said Julien. "Right now, that's the only thing that's held us back. They've found a way to score and win games. We haven't."
* Julien has not liked, however, the lack of traffic in front of Carey Price. "We haven't done enough to get into his head," Julien said. "That's part of why I say we haven't scored enough goals. We haven't done a good enough job of getting enough pucks, enough traffic, and creating enough scoring chances to even do that. We can definitely be better there."
* In Game 4, Guy Carbonneau double-shifted Alex Kovalev to get him away from Zdeno Chara. With the last change tonight, it will be easier for Carbonneau to get his preferred matchups.
* This observer's opinion: Ward will play through his injury, meaning the defensive corps will remain the same.
* Kessel is the other wild card. If you put him in, who do you take out? Glen Murray is struggling, but he is willing to stand in front of the net on the power play, meaning the Canadiens must respect his presence. Julien could put Kessel on the second line and drop P.J. Axelsson down, which would give you a greater offensive threat, but hurt you defensively. The third line has arguably been the best unit, so you don't touch that. Julien could swap out Jeremy Reich for Kessel for better offensive touch, but then he'd be down a penalty-killer. I say Kessel remains out and lineup stays as the following:
Lucic-Savard-Murray
Sturm-Krejci-Axelsson
Schaefer-Metropolit-Nokelainen
Reich-Sobotka-Thornton
Chara-Ward
Ference-Wideman
Stuart-Hnidy
Thomas
plenty of penalty killers on this team, 18 of them infact, who needs jeremy reich?
Kessel struggled in game 1, but Glen Murray has struggled the entire series. He's really dragging the top line down. Phil can do just as much as Glen at a much faster pace.
Lets Go Bruins!
I think Julien must include Kessel in the lineup tonight, it's a win-or-win situation and the coach should take a chance if Bruins aren't scoring enough so far
Reich had a great game on Tuesday on defense, he should stay in. I think they need to sit Sobotka, put Nokelainen on that fourth line, and then put kessel next to Metropolit and Schaefer. I know the third line has been playing well but we need goals, and Phil Kessel can score.
agreed.
Julien is cutting off his nose to spite his face. The B's have been solid defensively, but they lose because they can't score goals. So he leaves one of the top offensive threats out of the lineup for three straight games. He needs to worry less about how players fit into his system and more about how to maximize the talents of individual players, such as Kessel's ability to create a stir in the attacking zone.
Get Kessel in there for his speed and touch!
They need more scoring, or someone who can produce more scoring opportunities. Bottom line, they need something to spark a change, maybe Kessel in there can do that. Being 'in every' game and losing 3 of 4 of still only means one thing- you've lost 3 games out of 4. Gotta switch it up, you've got nothing to lose at this point.
Can't win if you don't score! Give Kessel a second chance.
Shawn Thornton is out-shooting Glen Murray in this series, he's the one who needs to be scratched. His game is toast and so are the bruins if he continues to drag them down.
I think that they need Kessel out there, I don't care who they take out, they need some offense!
Think about how messed up Boston is right now.First Kessel is a big liability and now he is the savior.This is what happens when a bunch of RATS run the ship!!!!!
If Kessel cant help you in a playoff series against the top seed and your hated rival, why was the club so adamant about not including him in a deal for Hossa??
As a loyal Bruin fan up here in Toronto, (forget the Maple Laughs) the one thing I'm hoping for tonight is that the B's score early to take their crowd out of it. If the Habs light it up first with them screaming as they do, its going to be a tough task in that building.
As an aside, I prefer Auld to Thomas. Seems to be more steady.
It needs to be noted that Kessel isn't a sure thing in terms of goal production. Sure, he has had a career year, but his numbers are not up to snuff to make THE difference in this game tonight. What is completely known about him is that he is a big liability defensively. After all, he is a minus player on the year.
Kessel should have been out of here at the deadline! Cmon the kid isn't even in the lineup!! they should have made the deal for Hossa, I agree with that. This is what you get when you have the lowest paid GM in the NHL.. Please Cam step in
swap murray out for kessel. i'm happy the guy has played 1000 games, but give me a break. he stinks!!!
Julien please play Kessel so we have a chance of scoring.
Julien please play Kessel so we have a chance of scoring.
Bruins will win - and bring the series back to Boston!!
With just alittle more offense, the B's would be up 3-1. They have out played the Habs in most circumstances. Lack of offense & not being able to clear the puck out of their zone for long streches has put them at elimination. Another scorer added at the trade deadline would have gone a long way to help in that area.
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