The Capitals blocked 22 of the Boston Bruins' 62 shots during their 1-0 loss in the opener of their playoff series Thursday night, and Boston winger Benoit Pouliot made a point of crediting Washington for that. "They are very good,'' Pouliot said of Washington's shot-blocking abilities. "It's one of their main things. I thought they did a great job. They had a lot of blocked shots. It's a matter of getting the puck through. It's not easy. It's easy to say, but it's not easy to do. Worst comes to worst, we have to put it off the boards back there. The forwards will get it. It's something we'll have to work on.''

Benoit Pouliot enjoyed a productive regular season with the Boston Bruins. Pouliot was a healthy scratch five times in the first month but finished the season on a strong note. "It's gone pretty good. There was a lot of positive stuff. There were ups and downs, but I think there were more ups than downs and it feels good. The confidence is good and everyone in the dressing feels good," said Pouliot, who ended the season with 16 goals.

Benoit Pouliot has enjoyed a productive month of March with four goals and seven assists in his last nine games. He has formed a successful trio with trade deadline acquisition Brian Rolston and Chris Kelly on Boston's third line. Pouliot has accounted for 29 points over 67 games with the Bruins this season.

Benoit Pouliot potted two goals and also registered an assist in the Bruins' 8-0 victory over the Maple Leafs Monday night. Pouliot missed some time last week with a lower-body injury but looked good tonight against the lowly Maple Leafs. However, even with the huge performance at home Monday, he offers very little fantasy value in standard leagues.

Benoit Pouliot got an assist in his return from a lower body injury on Thursday. Pouliot missed three games due to the ailment. He has no fantasy value in standard leagues.

Benoit Pouliot returned to action on Thursday March 15.

Benoit Pouliot has declared himself fit to return to Boston's lineup from a lower-body injury. "I tried everything I could out there," he said after Wednesday's practice. "It feels good. Personally, for me I'm aiming for (Thursday). It's (coach Claude Julien's) decision, but if he asks me if I'm ready to go, I feel great." Pouliot has sat out the past three games with the undisclosed ailment.

Benoit Pouliot (lower body) isn't expected to play Tuesday. Pouliot also misdeed Sunday's contest. He has 10 goals and 11 assists in 61 games in 2011-12.

No word on whether Benoit Pouliot (lower body) will be available to play in Sunday's contest in Pittsburgh. Pouliot was a surprising scratch in Saturday's game against the Capitals. If he can't play, Maxime Sauve will make his NHL debut.

Benoit Pouliot returned to action on Thursday March 8.