Shawn Thornton wants Boston's fourth line to contribute offensively as well as provide energy.

Thornton doesn't have a point in nine playoff games, but his linemates Gregory Campbell and Daniel Paille have contributed a goal and an assist each. "We want to try and take some pressure off the big lines. You can't rely on them all the time," Thornton said. "Obviously this time of year, your best players have to be your best players, but if we chip in every now and again, it helps out. We've been a little snake-bitten, too. We've had some chances. They just weren't going in, so I was happy to see one go in for (Campbell) last game."

Shawn Thornton potted his third goal and posted four shots in Boston's win over Florida Thursday night.

His linemates, Daniel Paille and Gregory Campbell, picked up assists on Thornton's second goal in three contests this week. "I think that that line has been pretty good lately," coach Claude Julien said referring to his fourth combination. "They're giving us some good games. They're scoring some timely goals. Again, they're a line that deserves a lot of credit lately. When your team goes through those kind of stages, sometimes it's important that lines like that pick up the slack, and that's what they're doing right now."

Shawn Thornton is doing his best to adapt to such a limited role.

The enforcer is averaging just 5:12, the lowest of any Boston regular. Because of his concussion, injuries to others on the fourth line and the close games the Bruins have been involved in, Thornton has not been much of a factor. He often rides the stationary bike between periods to keep up his cardio level. "With my skate guards on sometimes. Seriously. Whatever it takes," Thornton said. "It's easier when you're playing 10 minutes a night as opposed to five minutes a night. But we're finding ways to get points and win most games. That's most important."