Injured Faulk to sit out Bruins game

Defenseman Justin Faulk will not be in the Canes' lineup tonight against the Boston Bruins, coach Kirk Muller said after today's morning skate at PNC Arena.

Faulk suffered an upper-body injury Friday against the Buffalo Sabres. He practiced Sunday and participated in the morning skate today but was ruled out of the game by Muller.

Bobby Sanguinetti, a healthy scratch last game, will return to the Canes' lineup. Forward Zach Boychuk also will be scratched tonight.

The Bruins are 3-0-1 -- the first time since 2000-2001 they've picked up points in their first four games. The only loss in overtime to the New York Rangers, and Boston topped the New York Islanders 4-2 in their last game.

It may be an over-simplification to say it could be a speed-vs-power game, but that's how so many Canes-Bruins games have become in recent years. The Bruins' game notes also include, "2-0-1: Bruins record this season in games in which they had at least one fight." That speaks for itself.

"They're a solid team," Muller said. "They want to create turnovers and they're really good in the neutral zone. What we try to do is use our speed and our skill, keep a good, high-tempo game. If we can make it a 200-foot game and make them play up-and-down hockey I think that's the advantage of our hockey club."

The Canes swept the Bruins last season, going 4-0-0. That was a franchise first for Carolina and a subject of conversation among the Bruins heading into tonight's game.

"We know they like to play physical," the Canes Jeff Skinner said. "We need to get off to a good start and get our feet moving quickly."

The Canes lead the NHL with 39.5 shots a game and have been outshot in just one period this year. The line of Jiri Tlusty, Eric Staal and Alex Semin have 48 shots between them.

"We need to just play the same way," Tlusty said. "Bring the physicality, too. Just make sure we don't have the odd-man rushes against us. We just need to bring the energy, the style of game we play."

The Bruins have not allowed a power-play goal this season, killing off 17 consecutive penalties.