So much for getting Pavel Kubina back for tonights game. After arriving in Boston with the team, he learned that his girlfriend back in the Czech Republic had gone into labour, so he left immediately with no time frame given for his return. Belak will stay on defense for tonight's game, while Alex Suglobov will be skating with Bates Battaglia and John Pohl.

Andrew Raycroft and Hal Gill make their first appearance in Boston tonight, after playing for the Bruins last year. Raycroft asked to be traded last year and was granted his wish during the off-season, while Hal Gill signed as a free agent

Some funny quotes from Paul Maurice regarding Kubina and Steen (became a father on Tuesday):

"That’s a long ride," said head coach Paul Maurice. "I don't know if it's go in and kiss the baby and turn around. We might let him sit down and hold it for a while."

"We’re firing out lots of buds," joked Maurice.