Milan Lucic cleared the cobwebs, but the steam was still pouring from his ears a little more than 24 hours after being coldcocked by Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dalton Prout.

The Boston Bruins tough guy gave his take to reporters following Saturday's loss to the Montreal Canadiens:

"It was the end of the game and I let him know that I wasn't going to fight him." he told reporters. "I wasn't prepared and I let my guard down and that's what happens when you let your guard down. I've been in over 100 fights and I never took a shot like that.

"There have been many times where I could've done the exact same thing, and I could've held off because he wouldn't drop his gloves. I find it to be gutless and that's my thoughts on it."

As for a potential retort, Lucic wasn't struck hard enough to not take down a number.

"Good thing is, we get to play them two more times ... and I'll be ready."