News: Ryane Clowe (undisclosed injury) skated during Wednesday's optional practice, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Given that it's the first time Ryane Clowe has hit the ice since being injured in Game 5 of the Rangers' first-round series against Washington, a return to the lineup for Thursday's Game 4 against the Bruins doesn't seem likely. That said, we suppose that he's a candidate to suit up if the Rangers (currently down 3-0) are able to extend the series beyond Thursday.
News: Brent Burns opened the scoring Tuesday, adding three shots and 19:20 in ice time in the San Jose win.
Analysis: That's Brent Burns first point in the series against Los Angeles. He's been less effective for the Sharks in the postseason than during the regular season, averaging .5 points per game.
News: Logan Couture had a tip-in goal and five shots in the Sharks win on Tuesday.
Analysis: That's game-winning goals in back-to-back games for Logan Couture. With 11 points in eight games, Couture has been as hot as a player can get this postseason.
News: T.J. Galiardi had an assist nn Tuesday's win over Los Angeles, his first point this postseason.
Analysis: After finishing the season very strong, T.J. Galiardi has all but disappeared from the Sharks' boxscore. His ice-time has shown this as well, dropping into the fifteen-minute range over the last three games.
News: Joe Thornton had one assist in his 19:39 on ice for the Sharks Tuesday.
Analysis: That assist puts Joe Thornton on a three-game point streak and he's got nine points in eight games this postseason. He's been crucial for the Sharks and played incredibly in the first period Tuesday. Jumbo Joe is living up to his name.
News: Joe Pavelski had an assist and three shots in the Sharks victory Tuesday.
Analysis: Joe Pavelski is on a tear and with Couture on his line, there's no sign of this stopping. He's been on the ice for 17 goals and only one against this postseason.
News: Mark Stone is expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 4.
Analysis: Mark Stone would take Cory Conacher's place alongside Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek on the Sens' top line, as head coach Paul MacLean indicated the need for a big body to battle in front of the net. Stone recorded a line of 15/23/38 in 54 games with AHL Binghamton this season, but failed to scratch the scoresheet in four NHL contests.
News: Cory Conacher is expected to be a healthy scratch for Wednesday's Game 4.
Analysis: If Cory Conacher does sit, Mark Stone will take his place alongside Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek on the Sens' top line. Stone recorded a line of 15/23/38 in 54 games with AHL Binghamton this season, but failed to scratch the scoresheet in four NHL contests.
News: Johnny Boychuk scored a goal in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Rangers.
Analysis: Johnny Boychuk, who had just one goal and six points in 44 regular season games, now has four goals in 10 playoff contests to date, which gives him 10 goals in 55 career postseason games overall. While Boychuk earns most of his keep with his rugged presence -- he leads the playoffs with 37 blocked shots and is tied for fifth with 41 hits -- on the Bruins' blueline, it's not a complete fluke that he has found a scoring touch, given that he possesses a booming shot.
News: Derek Stepan was held scoreless despite a team-high five shots on goal in Tuesday's 2-1 to Boston
Analysis: After having a breakout year (44 points in 48 games) during the lockout shortened regular season, Derek Stepan has been held in check during the playoffs, registering a plus-3 and just three goals in 10 games.
