Cote rejoined the fourth line with Jim Dowd and Sami Kapanen against the Washington Capitals as Knuble sat out with a torn left hamstring. The larger issue was what to do with R.J. Umberger, who was expected to fill in for Knuble on the power play and elsewhere.

Coach John Stevens had said he had several line combinations in mind, but he ended up going with Umberger on Jeff Carter's line with Scottie Upshall. Patrick Thoresen rejoined Mike Richards' line with Joffrey Lupul; the trio had played well together in March.

"The way we start probably won't be the way we finish," Stevens said. "Overall, not an enormous amount of changes. These guys have all played together and played well throughout the year. They should fit right in together."

Cote had the edge to reclaim a spot in the lineup because Steve Downie and Denis Tolpeko have yet to get into a playoff game.

The Winnipeg fighter has been itching to return since leaving the lineup in Game 3.

"It's unfortunate what happened to [Knuble], but when something that like happens, it's an opportunity for someone from the fourth line to get a spot or another guy to move into the lineup," Cote said. "I'm just going to keep playing my game - play hard and physical and be a presence."

One thing Cote brings is instant energy. He is not shy about throwing a hard, nasty check the second he hits the ice.

"We know they were coming in here with a chip on their shoulder, intending to win" Game 6, Cote said. "We've got the fans on our side. But my game is to get the puck deep and finish my checks. That's my goal on my first shift. Get a big bang and try to set the tone."

Alexander Ovechkin, Donald Brashear and David Steckel delivered some hard shots on the Flyers in Game 5.

"What I want to do is keep guys honest out there," Cote said. ". . . Just my presence. It's little part that maybe they keep in the back of their mind: They may have to" face me.

Cote drew a penalty in the first period, and it led to a power-play goal by Richards. The enforcer said he would make something happen, and he did.

Loose pucks

- Tim Panaccio