Blue Notes

Here's the reasoning for the lineup changes:

Korpikoski, 21, the 19th overall pick in 2004, "had a very good season this year, certainly in the latter half of it as a center-ice man," said coach Tom Renney. (Korpikoski was 23-27-50 and a plus-20 in Hartford.)

"With Blair (Betts) out, it will give us a little more versatility, not to mention the fourth line...These young guys are capable of playing. I felt the same way last year with Nigel (Dawes) and I feel the same way about Lauri, We need that kind of help at center ice, he's the best guy under the circumstances. It's an opportunity to grow another player, and this will be a great environment for him, a real challenge, but it's no different for anybody else."

Ryan Hollweg, who will played left wing, "can play center," said Renney, "but for me it comes back to versatility." Colton Orr, who will sit, played 3:04 in Game 4.

Strudwick, who played 10:15 in Game 4, "just helps us a little more in our end defensively. The experience there of playing in a tough situation helps us...Christian (Backman) will get there there's no question in my mind. He adds to the offensive side of the equation, but we thought under the circumstances, it would be good to come back with Struddy." It's the second straight scratch for Backman, who arrived at the trade deadline from St. Louis.

Relinquishing the 3-0 lead in Game 1 here, "is in the backs of our minds, at least", Renney acknowledged. "We could've taken one here. We didn't do that. So now's the time.
"That's how you look at it. This series could be tied right now. It's not. We're behind the 8-ball. If we play the way we have to, and can, we can win in anybody's rink."

After treatment for the lacerated spleen sustained in Game 3, Sean Avery was released from St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan