Laviolette should play Bobrovsky

The Skate Zonologists have no choice. They have to interpret the signs.

Who skates with the minor-leaguers? Which goaltender practices on the off days? Which leaves the morning skate first? Is Paul Holmgren blinking in Morse code?

Because information about injuries and lineup changes is just so vitally important to national security, these are the best ways to make educated guesses. And those signs, according to the Zonologists, point to Brian Boucher starting Game 3 in goal for the Flyers. Defenseman Chris Pronger, meanwhile, seems unlikely to play Monday, but he was not on the charter to Buffalo to man the beverage cart. Pronger could make his much-needed return Wednesday in Game 4.

And maybe, just maybe, these two pressing issues are connected.

The opinion here is the same: Coach Peter Laviolette should stick with rookie goalie Sergei Bobrovsky for at least one more game. Boucher is more comfortable playing in relief, if necessary, and Bobrovsky remains the team's best hope to get playoff-hot and make a deep run.

But the Pronger factor complicates things just a bit. If Laviolette believes Boucher provides a steadier, calmer presence, he could well go with the veteran in a Prongerless Game 3. It will be the Sabres' first home playoff game and emotions figure to be incredibly high. Just as the other players talk about withstanding the initial pulse of energy from the crowd, Boucher may be better equipped than Bobrovsky to handle that - if Game 2 was any indication.

"There seemed to be more emotion in the game both ways [Saturday]," Laviolette said. "There was a swing in emotion both ways. If you weren't ready for that, you could get bowled over."

Bobrovsky apparently got bowled over. So maybe the plan is to get through whatever awaits in Buffalo and then, if Pronger is back, bring Bobrovksy back for Game 4 with the extra security provided by the big defenseman.

It's just a theory, but it fits the latest observations from the Skate Zonologists. Bobrovsky was the only goalie working on the practice rink Sunday afternoon - as the backup usually does - and Pronger was not seen shooting pucks with his surgically repaired hand.

Whatever Laviolette decides for Game 3, it seems unthinkable that he will make the permanent switch to Boucher as the starter and Bobrovsky as the No. 2. This is the kind of decision that has repercussions well beyond a playoff game.