Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau has asked the NHL to take a look at what he called a "dirty shot" the Rangers' Marc Staal delivered to the head of Caps' Mike Green during the Rangers' 3-2 win in Game 3 Sunday. 

"It was to the side of the head and it was a dirty shot," said Boudreau at Monday's optional skate in Arlington.  "I hope the league looks at it".

Green left the Washington lineup for a second time on February 25 with post-concussion symptoms following an unpenalized hit by the Rangers' Derek Stepan, one that had been preceded by another head blow by Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik earlier in the month. Green did not return until Game One of this playoff series. 
 
Video from Sunday's 3-2 Rangers victory showed Staal coming across and delivering a head blow to Green after the defenseman already had passed the puck. Jason Arnott then relayed to Alex Ovechkin for a Washington goal with one minute to go in the second period. 

Green completed the game with no ill effects, according to Boudreau, other than possible effects Staal's tactics had on the NHL's attempts to make its game safer. 

"It's not a hockey play, the guy is in a vulnerable position and he gets hit in the head," said Boudreau.  "That's what we're trying to get out of the league... 
 
"There's no puck, he swings at Green's head but it's all forgotten because we score a goal to tie the game but it shouldn't be forgotten. And it wasn't the only time, they targeted [Green] a few times. They are coming after him.  (Brandon) Prust left his feet in the first period and went at the head as well and Mike threw a punch back at him.
 
"I have no problem with hitting.  Let's hit as hard as we can; that's what the game is all about.  You cannot target the head."  

With Game 3 not until Wednesday night, the league has an additional day to announce discipline against Staal, if there is to be any. 
 
"I remember the play," said Staal. "He was coming across the middle and I finished him but I haven't seen it again (on video)."
 
Decibels department
 
"Not so loud," Boudreau sneered yesterday about Madison Square Garden Sunday, a challenge the Rangers fans are certain to take up Wednesday night.  
 
Idle thoughts

The two teams will play only one game in the next five days. But asked if that was a good or a bad thing, Rangers coach John Tortorella told reporters to give it a rest.
 
"We can't do anything about it," he said. "You just need to find the best way to use it. 
 
"We're pretty healthy, physically and mentally, so I'd rather play but we'll go about our business and try to turn it into a positive."
 
A for Avery
 
Sean Avery has given the Rangers so much energy since coming back into the lineup in Game Two that Tortorella earns a retroactive D for dressing Mats Zuccarello instead in Game One.

"[Avery] was pretty consistent getting in on the forecheck, getting [the puck] around the net," said Tortorella.  "Sean's biggest assets are his legs, if he starts thinking he hurts himself.
 
"[Avery and linemates Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust] certainly set the tone in the first period, when it seemed like both teams were kind of waiting.  They gave us some energy and we really got involved after that. Boyle arguably has been one of our most consistent forwards."
 
Duby does: 
 
"A coverage mistake by Brandon Dubinsky on a Jason Chimera goal turned Game Two but Dubinsky, the Rangers winger-turned center, did a lot more in Game Three than just scoring the winning goal with 1:39 to play, not that there was anything wrong with that.
 
"He still has a process to go through as far as understanding all things as far as being a pro," sad Tortorella. "But confidence, Duby's kept his confidence.
 
"When he starts trying to be a play maker,,,, that's a process he has gone through that he is really beginning to understand. I think he knows himself better and that's why he has been more consistent with his play.  He has some skill, I'm not discounting that, but first things first: That grind."
 
And don't forget What's His Name
 
Alex Ovechkin is most often coming down Marc Staal's side, but partner Dan Girardi had five blocked shots Sunday and sometimes goes as unappreciated as the welts the defenseman has to look as he undresses. 
 
"When I first came here, I was calling him Joe Girardi, really, like for a whole meeting," said Tortorella.

"Marc sometimes gets more notoriety, [Girardi] wasn't drafted and all that stuff, but he's a good player who continues to get better. He's got [guts] as big as the building. 

"That shot he blocked on the three-on two where [Marcus Johansson] came in late, that's a huge play. He is one of the more underrated players in this league.