Herb Zurkowsky

With two high-sticking infractions against Arizona, young winger has taken 17 minor penalties this season — the most among Montreal forwards.

Florida 4, Montreal 3 (SO). Habs blow third-period lead to shorthanded goal.

But the former Rocket coach says he's not looking too far into the future. Joël Bouchard said he's not the same AHL head coach he was in Laval.

Boston is second in the Atlantic Division and will pose a much more formidable challenge than the Blue Jackets offered on Tuesday night.

"It's obviously a lot better when you're winning," captain Nick Suzuki says. "And I think our energy and vibe in the room has been a lot better over the last couple of days."

"This is something that will never be taken away from us," head coach Jason Maas said. "When you get this ring, we're connected for life."

Veteran rush end, who had announced his retirement in April before the suspension, is participating in practices, meetings and film review.

"I know what I'm capable of," the Canadian receiver says.

After a terrific second-half effort last week, Davis Alexander, 25, appears poised to start Friday in place of injured QB Cody Fajardo.

Without Cody Fajardo, Kaion Julien-Grant or Tyson Philpot, Montreal still found a way to win, and that's impressing their coaches.