By Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff

Zdeno Chara was given today off. Chara has been suffering from flu-like symptoms. Claude Julien said Chara was dehydrated after Friday's 4-2 loss to the Islanders. Chara should be back at practice tomorrow at Ristuccia Arena.

* Both Andrew Ference and Steven Kampfer had positive feedback regarding their first practice back from their respective injuries. There is no definite plan for either defenseman to play against Columbus. Barring any setbacks, both will travel with the team on the three-game road trip.

* Tyler Seguin practiced on the third line instead of the fourth line today. Seguin could be a healthy scratch for a third straight game on Tuesday. "He's definitely a player that belongs on a top-three line than he does on the fourth," Julien said. "There's some times you've seen him on the fourth line because I think he needs to play to not go stale. So does the other guy who's been sitting out at times is [Daniel] Paille. We're headed toward the playoffs. You certainly want some experienced guys to be there. At the same time, we've been a pretty healthy club so far that it hasn't really allowed for certain players to go into the lineup consistently. I would chalk that up to circumstances. I would chalk that up to growing into a good pro. We've seen him come out in certain games and really play well. After a while, it tapers off a little bit. It's part of growing into a good pro. I keep saying it over and over again. I've told him so many times. I know he's going to be a great player in this league."