Player Notes

Boychuk scored a goal in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Rangers.
Recommendation: 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.

Couture had a tip-in goal and five shots in the Sharks win on Tuesday.
Recommendation: That's game-winning goals in back-to-back games for Couture. With 11 points in eight games, Couture has been as hot as a player can get this postseason.

Stepan was held scoreless despite a team-high five shots on goal in Tuesday's 2-1 to Boston
Recommendation: After having a breakout year (44 points in 48 games) during the lockout shortened regular season, Stepan has been held in check during the playoffs, registering a plus-3 and just three goals in 10 games.

Morrow (undisclosed) will not play in Wednesday's Game 4 against the Senators, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Recommendation: Morrow is officially out for Wednesday's tilt with the injury he suffered in practice Tuesday. Specifics regarding the ailment are still scarce, so consider him day-to-day heading into Friday's Game 5.

Stralman will likely be unavailable for Thursday's Game 4 against the Bruins, Newsday reports.
Recommendation: In the second period of Tuesday's Game 3, Stralman took a hard hit from Boston's Milan Lucic and was forced to leave the game. The exact nature of the injury has not been disclosed, but it doesn't sound like Stralman will suit up Thursday. In his absence, Steve Eminger will likely move up to pair with Michael Del Zotto.

Sutton has retired from the NHL, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Recommendation: Sutton has battled a multitude of injuries over the past couple of seasons which certainly played a big part in his decision to retire. He leaves the NHL having played in 676 games, 38 goals, 112 assists, and 1,185 PIMs.

Neal notched three points in Wednesday's Game 4 win over the Senators.
Recommendation: Neal recorded two goals and an assist as the flood gates opened for the Pens in a 7-3 dismantling of Ottawa.

Vokoun saved 30 of the 33 shots he faced (.909) in Wednesday's Game 4 win over the Senators.
Recommendation: This was probably one of Vokoun's worst games of the playoffs, but it didn't matter since the Pens found their groove and ended up blowing out the Senators 7-3. Vokoun will likely get the call again in Game 5 on Friday.

Lehner replaced starter Craig Anderson during the third period of Wednesday's 7-3 Game 4 loss to the Penguins.
Recommendation: Lehner allowed one goal on four shots, but will probably remain the backup as the Sens head back to Pittsburgh for a must-win Game 5 on Friday.

Vitale (undisclosed) will not play in Wednesday's Game 4 against the Senators, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Recommendation: Vitale won't be ready to go in Game 4, but there was some hope he could practice earlier in the week so perhaps he'll be ready to go by the time Friday's tilt rolls around.

Pavelski had an assist and three shots in the Sharks victory Tuesday.
Recommendation: 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.