"Thomas Vanek tried to put on a happy face. Lindy Ruff was more pessimistic. Hard to read between the lines but easy to see the walking boot on Vanek's left foot. Hard to imagine Vanek's ankle injury gives him any chance to play tonight in Game Four against the Boston Bruins.

"It's been a few days and I've made some improvements," Vanek said outside Ristuccia Memorial Arena after practice Tuesday. "It's tough to say. I've gotten better since it happened and hopefully it's better [today].

"I thought I had a chance [to play in Game Three] but it wasn't good enough. It's getting better. Each day is improvements. We're doing a lot of treatments. It's tough to judge but I'm hopeful."

A few minutes earlier, Ruff pretty much ruled Vanek out.

"No change," the coach said when asked about Vanek's status. "That would have to be one of those "be healed' and I don't expect that. I'm not getting discouraged. It's just that we understand it's one of those things that the next day could be better. We're running into that point now with no exercise for a few days that even if it is better, he's going to need a couple practice days.""