Raycroft is ready to return
The Bruins know one thing for sure: goaltender Andrew Raycroft is ready to return from a hamstring injury he suffered Oct. 26 against Carolina. Whether center Alexei Zhamnov will join him in the lineup tonight against the Flyers in Philadelphia remains to be seen.
Zhamnov, who was injured Oct. 1 in the final exhibition game against the Rangers, has yet to suit up for a regular-season game because of what the club has termed a bruised shoulder. But he has been making steady progress, and at practice yesterday, it appeared his conditioning was pretty much up to snuff.
Coach Mike Sullivan said it would be a game-time decision, and Zhamnov sounded optimistic.
''He's very close," said Sullivan. ''There's no question he wants to play, he'd love to play, he's dying to play, but he also wants to make sure that when he does play that he can be effective. That's really the criteria we're trying to use to make the right decision.
''It's something where we want to make sure that when we have him, we have him for the long term. He'll have a huge impact. He's a top-tier player in the league and has been for a long time. He's a competitive guy and plays in a lot of situations."
Zhamnov, who turned 35 Oct. 1, said this has been a hard time for him.
''I'll come back this week for sure," said Zhamnov. ''It's definitely frustrating, you want to be on the ice. I look forward [to] this week. I can't tell you exactly when."
He said it would be nice to play against the Flyers, his former team, but he couldn't commit to it. He played 20 games for Philadelphia after being traded from Chicago Feb. 19, 2004, scoring 18 points. In 18 playoff contests, he had 14 points.
''I have a lot of good memories from Philly," he said.
When he does come back, he'll likely see some time on a line with left wing Sergei Samsonov. Samsonov, who played with Zhamnov for Team Russia in the 2002 Olympics -- though not on the same line -- said he's looking forward to it.
''He looks pretty good," said Samsonov. ''He's so good with the puck. He's mesmerizing when you watch him in practice, he's so smooth with the puck and skating. It's going to be exciting to watch him.
''It takes 10 games just to get back to normal. He's going to have to rely a lot on his experience. He's been in this league for so long. He looks great in practices. It's going to take some time but he looks pretty good out there."
Raycroft, meanwhile, has missed only five games but is itching to get back.
''It's nice to be able to have to put a suit on and go to the plane," he said. ''I missed one [road trip] and it felt like I missed 10."
Jurcina is OK
Defenseman Milan Jurcina dodged a bullet Saturday night with just over two minutes left in the game against Pittsburgh when he was hooked and fell awkwardly into the boards, banging up his right knee. He skated yesterday, though, and Sullivan said he'll be fine to play against the Flyers. Somewhat of a question mark is blue liner Kevin Dallman, who has a bruised foot and missed Saturday's contest. Defenseman Jay Leach and forward Eric Nickulas were recalled from Providence and traveled with the team in case they are needed. Goalie Jordan Sigalet was sent back to Providence after the Penguins game.
