Tampa Bay Lightning appears interested in GM candidate Doug Risebrough

The person whose name has been the most whispered regarding the Lightning's search for a general manager for the first time Monday confirmed and spoke about his interest in the job.

"Yes," Doug Risebrough said, "I'm very interested."

Tampa Bay apparently has asked for permission to speak to Risebrough, the former Wild general manager who is a scout/consultant for the Rangers.

Risebrough would not confirm contact with the Lightning, and the Rangers declined comment. But given Risebrough's close relationship with Jac Sperling, a former Wild alternate governor who is spearheading Tampa Bay's general manager and CEO searches, it is not unreasonable to believe there might already have been preliminary talks.

Owner Jeff Vinik has said he wants both positions filled before the June 25-26 draft.

"I think the way they're doing it and going about it is the right approach," Risebrough said. "They're taking their time. The most important thing is getting it right."

Risebrough, 56, who played for the Canadiens and Flames in a 13-year career, was the expansion Wild's general manager through its first eight seasons and led the team to a division title and three playoff appearances. He was fired after a disappointing 2008-09 as part of a housecleaning by owner Craig Leipold.

"Right now, it's a good young team," Risebrough said of the Lightning. "It deserves a good, bright future."

BRUINS, CAPS WIN: In Boston, Patrice Bergeron scored the go-ahead goal as the Bruins beat the Sabres 2-1 for a 2-1 lead in the East series. In Montreal, Semyon Varlamov made 26 saves as the Capitals beat the Canadiens 5-1 for a 2-1 lead in the East series.

First Period—1, Buffalo, Grier 1 (Torres, Tallinder), 6:57. 2, Boston, Wideman 1 (Sobotka, Hunwick), 15:17. Penalties—Gaustad, Buf (roughing), 13:18; Ference, Bos (roughing), 13:18.

Second Period—None. Penalties—Lucic, Bos (high-sticking), 1:57; Gaustad, Buf (interference), 12:19; Sekera, Buf (interference), 15:06; Sturm, Bos (holding stick), 16:49; Ference, Bos (tripping), 18:51.

Third Period—3, Boston, Bergeron 1 (Recchi, Wideman), 12:57. Penalties—Ference, Bos, misconduct, 13:46; Rivet, Buf (roughing), 13:47; Torres, Buf, misconduct, 13:47; Sekera, Buf, major (fighting), 13:47; Wideman, Bos (roughing), 13:47; Sobotka, Bos, major (fighting), 13:47. Shots on Goal—Buffalo 14-7-12—33. Boston 10-10-9—29. Power-play opportunities—Buffalo 0 of 3; Boston 0 of 2. Goalies—Buffalo, Miller 1-2-0 (29 shots-27 saves). Boston, Rask 2-1-0 (33-32). A—17,565 (17,565). T—2:22.

First Period—None. Penalties—A.Kostitsyn, Mon (high-sticking), 7:52; Schultz, Was (cross-checking), 13:51; Plekanec, Mon (tripping), 16:40.

Second Period—1, Washington, B.Gordon 1 (Poti), 1:06 (sh). 2, Washington, Laich 1 (Green, Fehr), 4:42. 3, Washington, Fehr 2 (Laich, Morrison), 8:33. 4, Washington, Ovechkin 2 (Backstrom, Knuble), 13:50. Penalties—Fleischmann, Was (hooking), :54; Gomez, Mon, misconduct, 15:08; Gionta, Mon (cross-checking), 15:08; Plekanec, Mon (unsportsmanlike conduct, interference), 17:55.

Third Period—5, Montreal, Plekanec 3 (Cammalleri, Hamrlik), 2:25 (pp). 6, Washington, Bradley 1, 19:15. Penalties—Laich, Was (hooking), 1:21; Knuble, Was (high-sticking), 4:51; Knuble, Was (goaltender interference), 10:10; A.Kostitsyn, Mon (hooking), 10:13; Lapierre, Mon (roughing), 16:44. Shots on Goal—Washington 7-14-15—36. Montreal 10-8-9—27. Power-play opportunities—Washington 0 of 7; Montreal 1 of 5. Goalies—Washington, Varlamov 2-0-0 (27 shots-26 saves). Montreal, Halak 1-2-0 (13-10), Price (8:33 second, 23-21). A—21,273 (21,273). T—2:30.

Boyle upset: Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle, a former Lightning standout, said he had a tough time trying to sleep after he sent the puck past his own goalie in overtime, giving the Avs a victory Sunday. He tried to clear the puck around the boards, but Ryan O'Reilly stuck out his stick and redirected it between Evgeni Nabokov and the right post. "I feel terrible," Boyle said.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.