Grabner ill, Niederreiter takes his place

BOSTON -- Michael Grabner was feeling the effects of the flu Saturday, so he sat out and Nino Niederreiter returned to action. It's not clear whether Jack Capuano would have made that switch had Grabner, who has only one goal in his last 19 games, been healthy.

Grabner has only 15 goals after scoring 34 last season, and despite his inability to finish breakaways, it's been his inability to get his nose dirty and try to play a 200-foot game that's angered Capuano most.

Niederreiter skated with Kyle Okposo and Casey Cizikas.

Rolston gets assist

Brian Rolston was placed on waivers two Saturdays ago, effectively ending his Islanders career. But a late trade to Boston last Monday revived him, and he scored his first point in three games with the Bruins against his old team.

"It was definitely a quick turn of events, and I'm starting to feel comfortable here," Rolston said before the game.

He had three shots on goal in 13:38 and played mostly with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand on the Bruins' second line. "It's nice to get another kick at a playoff run," he said.

Mike Mottau, who also was dealt to the Bruins last Monday, was a healthy scratch. The Quincy, Mass., native is still smiling, though. "It's just a really good feeling," he said.

Despite their position in the standings, Mottau might not have played much for the Islanders down the stretch.

"That would have been difficult," he said. "I would have understood, but it's tough. Here, with the success they've had, being it's my hometown team, it's a little easier to take [if I'm not playing]."