Bruce Cassidy continued to hold out hope that Brandon Carlo could still be in the Bruins lineup for Game 4, Saturday at Nassau Coliseum.

Cassidy is listing Carlo as day-to-day after he suffered a head injury Thursday.

After Thursday’s 2-1 overtime, Cassidy spoke with Carlo, who said he felt good, leaving the coach hopeful that Saturday remained in play. That optimism hadn’t been damped Friday afternoon when he met with media before the team’s optional skate.

“He feels good this morning, better,” Cassidy said. “He was hit hard last night. I’ll have an update (Saturday) morning whether he’s in or out and we’ll go from there.”

With 13:48 left in the third period, Cal Clutterbuck drove his shoulder into Carlo behind Boston’s net. Carlo’s head hit the glass and he stumbled to the ice. He looked wobbly trying to get up and fell back down. Play was stopped and Carlo had to be helped off the ice. He went straight to the dressing room but stayed at the arena.

If Carlo, a right shot, can’t go Saturday, the Bruins’ most likely options are Jarred Tinordi, Urho Vaakanainen and Jakub Zboril, who just became available after coming back from an injury. All three are left-handed shots. Cassidy said Jeremy Lauzon could potentially play on his off side.

“One of those guys will have to find a comfort level if we take Brandon out or we may have to be creative in-game, playing four left sticks and two righties and give the righties a lot of ice time,” Cassidy said. “I’m not saying they’d play half the game, but a little more than usual.”

Kevan Miller, who has been out since Game 4 of the first-round series, isn’t on the trip. He skated again in Boston Friday, but wouldn’t be available.

Carlo had three goals and an assist in 27 games this season while averaging 18:43 of ice time. He missed large stretches of March and April with injuries. He’s averaged 22:30 of ice time through eight playoff games.

UPON HEARING that Patriots Coach Bill Belichick wore a Bruins cap to his morning video conference with the New England media, Cassidy was appreciative of the support.

“I’ve kept in touch with Bill here and there, during playoff runs for both teams, as well as Brad (Stevens) and Alex (Cora). I heard from all of them after our first-round win. I think it’s great that the teams are rooting for each other,” Cassidy said. “It’s a good sort of competition for each team to have good playoff runs. It forces the other organizations to continue to excel. Obviously, the Patriots have been the team that’s had the most success. We want to follow in their footsteps and raise some banners as well. I think it’s great.”

Belichick opened his press conference Friday talking about hockey and the Bruins’ 2-1 overtime win over the New York Islanders in the second round of the playoffs Thursday night.

“First of all, big congratulations to the Bruins and Coach (Bruce) Cassidy. Great win last night,” Belichick said. “Heck of a game, seems like they’ve all been. We’re behind ‘em. Go B’s. …We got a lot of big games coming up. Wish them well. Coach Cassidy’s done a great job there, got a lot of great players, love their style of play. Just want to show our support.”

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