MANCHESTER, N.H. -- In the last few seasons, the Boston Bruins haven't been a defensive force in the net or on the blue line. While some questions remain, the Bruins' defensive unit has improved this year.
The goaltending jobs are up for grabs as well as a few open spots on defense. Making a serious bid on the blue line is Zdenek Kutlak.
A fixture on the P-Bruins' defense for the last three seasons, Kutlak has been impressive enough to make yet another decision for Boston coach Mike Sullivan a tough one.
Despite one major mishap, which led to Montreal's only goal last night, Kutlak was solid on both ends of the ice. Time and again, he put himself in the right spot and was able to move the puck quickly out of the defensive zone and turn defense into offense.
"I thought 'Zito' had a great game," said Sullivan. "He had that one tough play behind the net but for the most part he played pretty solid. He's got a really good stick and he breaks up a lot of plays at our blue line. He's come in and he's getting a little more comfortable with the pace of play. As long as he keeps his game simple, and plays within himself he's an effective player."
Last season in Providence, Kutlak begin to work on his offensive game and he's been applying that during this preseason.
"We've encouraged all of our defensemen to get involved in the play," said Sullivan. "We would like them to move the puck to our forwards as quickly as possible and join the play from behind."
Boynton deal may be near
There's been talk that the Bruins and hold-out defenseman Nick Boynton are edging closer to a deal. Boynton enjoyed the best season of his young NHL career last year, logging plenty of ice time and carrying the bulk of the blueliners' duties.
Berard still without a team
Speaking of last year's defensive unit, Woonsocket native Bryan Berard is still a man without a team. He went to arbitration during the offseason and Boston exercised its "walk away" option after the arbitrator ruled in Berard's favor. There's been speculation that he will return to the Bruins, but there hasn't been any news of late.
Lapointe out after surgery
Boston assistant captain Martin Lapointe, who had arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday, will be out for 3-4 weeks. He was able to work out on Thursday at the team's training facility in Wilmington, Mass. He's hoping to be back on skates in two weeks.
Doull, Van Oene called up
Three players were called up yesterday from Providence for last night's game against the Canadiens. Joining goaltender Hannu Toivonen were wingers Doug Doull and Darren Van Oene. Both players took full advantage of their recalls and wasted little time dropping the gloves. Doull went toe-to-toe with Montreal's Benjamin Carpentier in the first period before Van Oene faced Sheldon Souray. In the third period, however, Doull skated away from an opportunity and Sean O'Donnell needed to jump in and protect P.J. Stock from three Montreal players.
Hilbert out again
Andy Hilbert, who has been battling a groin pull during training camp, was out again last night. He returned to the lineup on Wednesday against the Red Wings in Detroit and said he felt fine after the game. He was feeling discomfort, however, the following day and has been sidelined since. He was scheduled to play last night. Instead, Van Oene replaced him.
Last season Hilbert, 23, the AHL All-Star winger, finished third in scoring for the P-Bruins with 35 goals and 35 assists. He was recalled to Boston on eight different occasions, recording three assists and seven penalty minutes in 14 games.
4 exhibition games left
The Bruins have four exhibition games remaining, including Tuesday's against the defending Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The Bruins will travel to New York to face the Rangers tomorrow, then will host the Detroit Red Wings at the FleetCenter on Thursday and the Rangers on Oct. 4. The Bruins now are 2-3 after last night's game.
