Zdeno Chara participated in the Bruins' morning skate at the Bell Centre. Coach Claude Julien acknowledged that Chara, out for Game 2 because of a virus, is getting better. But Julien would not commit to Chara's presence in Monday's night's (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 7 p.m. ET) lineup. Chara was unavailable for comment.

"As we speak, it's looking good," Julien said. "But I can't stand here right now and say he's a definite in."

Because of Montreal's 2-0 series lead, it's a good bet that Chara will be back in uniform. Chara participated in pregame warmups on Saturday, but was scratched after complaining of fatigue and dizziness, among other symptoms.

Shane Hnidy would be the healthy scratch if Chara is good to go. Hnidy skated on only seven shifts in Game 2 and was a healthy scratch for the opener.

Boos await Chara

If Chara plays, he will receive a villain's welcome from the Montreal crowd. Monday marks the first time the Bruins play at the Bell Centre since Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty suffered a fractured vertebra and a severe concussion on March 8 following a Chara hit.

"It doesn't matter," Julien said of the crowd's sure-to-be-hostile approach.

"What matters to us is what's at stake. That's the game. No matter what happens, you've got to play through those things. We're all aware of that. Guys are professional enough. I don't know that there's a rink where Zdeno doesn't get booed in. Certainly not because of what happened, but because the realization of the impact he has on the game and the difference he can make in game situations. He's a big man, a big, strong guy we rely on a lot. He's a big part of our team. I think other buildings realize that."

The Canadiens, who will be playing on home ice for the first time this series, will aim to feed off the crowd's energy. But the team is wary of not getting too emotional at the start of the night.

"We have to be focused and have that level of urgency we've had in the first two games," said defenceman Hal Gill. "It's something where we have to embrace the crowd here and have it help us. At the same time, we can't sit back and rest that. We have to have a lot of urgency to go out and win every battle and be in every battle."

Kostitsyn improving

Andrei Kostitsyn, who didn't play in Game 2, participated in the morning skate. He skated in his usual spot at right wing alongside Mike Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec on the first line. Kostitsyn will be a game-time decision. Kostitsyn skated in warmups before Game 2 but was scratched in favor of Yannick Weber.

"He's the kind of guy who can be a game-breaker," Cammalleri said. "He's that kind of a player."

No lineup hints

Tim Thomas was the first goalie off the ice Monday morning, indicating he will start. However, Julien declined to confirm anything regarding his lineup.

On Sunday, Julien borrowed Flyers coach Peter Laviolette's line about not discussing goalies, injuries, or lineups. Laviolette broke form by announcing that Brian Boucher would start in goal for the Flyers for Monday's Game 3 matchup with the Buffalo Sabres.. Julien wasn't ready to follow Laviolette's lead.

"I think I have the option on which page I'd like to take out of Peter Laviolette's book," Julien said with a smile. "I like the page from the other day. I didn't like this morning's page."

Expected Bruins' lineup

Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Mark Recchi
Chris Kelly-Rich Peverley-Michael Ryder
Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton

Defenceman

Zdeno Chara-Johnny Boychuk
Tomas Kaberle-Dennis Seidenberg
Andrew Ference-Adam McQuaid

Goalies

Tim Thomas (Starter)
Tuukka Rask

Expected Canadiens' lineup

Mike Cammalleri-Tomas Plekanec-Andrei Kostitsyn
Mathieu Darche-Scott Gomez-Brian Gionta
Travis Moen-Lars Eller-Tom Pyatt
Benoit Pouliot-David Desharnais-Ryan White

Defenceman

Hal Gill-P.K. Subban
Roman Hamrlik-James Wisniewski
Jaroslav Spacek-Brent Sopel

Goalies

Carey Price (Starter) 
Alex Auld