Adam McQuaid, who was able to return to Boston's lineup on Tuesday night from an upper-body injury, might have the edge on the Bruins' less experienced blueliners to play when the playoffs begin.

Boston may sacrifice youth and puck-moving ability if they don't dress Dougie Hamilton or Matt Bartkowski on their bottom pairing, but playing McQuaid and Wade Redden may make more sense because of their experience.

McQuaid appeared to injure his leg when Matt Cooke delivered a low hip check to him in the third period in the neutral zone that Claude Julien termed a "cheap shot" after Saturday afternoon's 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh at TD Garden. He's considered day to day.

McQuaid has missed the Bruins last 11 games with a shoulder injury. If he plays tonight, Matt Bartkowski will likely be scratched.