While coach Bruce Boudreau did not officially rule out Mike Knuble for Wednesday night's Game 4 of the Capitals' 2011 NHL Playoffs first-round series against the Rangers, it's looking more and more like he will not play. Brooks Laich, for example, said this, via Corey Masisak of NHL.com.

Potentially interesting quote from #Caps Brooks Laich on Mike Knuble: "We'll have to step up while Mike's not in the lineup."#wasnyr

So while it's not official, it looks like Knuble is out. That means Jason Chimera, the hero of Game 2, will likely move to the top line alongside Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Chimera played a little bit with both players in January as Boudreau shuffled the lines around, but hasn't had much experience that high since. However, Boudreau likes to fiddle with the lines in games, so it might not matter much.

Eric Fehr did not skate with the healthy scratches on Wednesday, so he is expected to return to the lineup.