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Sullivan has high hopes for Bruins

Bruins captain Joe Thornton disappeared out the backdoor of the FleetCenter after practice Friday, standing up the group of media members waiting to get his take on what needs to change in order for Boston to close out Montreal tonight when the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series resumes with Game 6 at the Bell Centre.

Although Thornton wasn't talking, coach Mike Sullivan is expecting big things from his top line of Thornton, Mike Knuble, and Glen Murray.

Like most of his teammates, Thornton had a tough night in Thursday's Game 5. He has yet to record a point in the series and has a team-high 14 penalty minutes. Despite a strong showing in Tuesday's double-overtime victory, Boston's most potent combination has been spotty.

Thornton has one assist in 11 contests against the Canadiens this season.

"I don't know if it's a coincidence," said Sullivan.

"They're certainly a solid defensive team. They're a team that overplays the puck. The challenge for Joe and his line is to find ways to free themselves up and beat the pressure and exploit the overaggression."

Sullivan said there have been times when the line has contributed plenty with little to show for it. However, he does expect them -- and particularly Thornton -- to break out.

"Hopefully, we'll see him (on the scoresheet Saturday night)," said Sullivan. "That's our expectation. Joe has high expectations of himself and his line, and we do as well. Understanding that there is a whole lot more to the game than just a scoresheet and the points, obviously they're a line that we expect [and] rely on to help carry the load offensively for us, but this team has found ways to win in other ways. I think it's important, obviously, that Joe's line is scoring goals for us."

"Certainly, Joe isn't the only guy on this hockey team, although he's very important to this hockey team ... we've tried to build a team here that doesn't just rely on one or two players to have success.
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