Bruins hope they've saved the best for last

WILMINGTON -- The Bruins' Tale of Three Goalies, which has been an important subplot in their season, is taking up where it left off before the Olympic break. The final chapters are being concocted in coach Mike Sullivan's offices at Ristuccia Arena and the TD Banknorth Garden, plot turns to be determined by the usual factors: goals-against average, save percentage, mental and physical condition, luck and momentum, and other intangibles.

Andrew Raycroft and Tim Thomas will both see action in upcoming games, Sullivan said yesterday. And Hannu Toivonen (ankle sprain) returned to the ice for the second day, though he remains out.

But Sullivan would not reveal the starter for tonight's contest at Carolina and home games against Atlanta tomorrow and Buffalo Saturday.

''We certainly have thought it through and have a game plan as we go," Sullivan said. ''But nothing is ever etched in stone and everything is subject to change. Obviously, performance and team position play into the decision. There are a lot of factors that play into the decision, but, given the fact that there are a lot games in a short period of time, we will have to rely on both guys to get it done for us."

Thomas started 13 successive games before the Olympic break, the last a 6-5 loss to Tampa Bay Feb. 11, a game in which he was replaced by Raycroft in the final minutes.

''The team was playing excellent hockey against some good teams before the break," said Thomas. ''And we start off with some good teams, too.

''It reminds me of the AHL, where you play Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday for stretches of six or seven weeks straight. Hopefully, the break will have helped us because this is a team that has to expend a lot of energy to have success."

Raycroft was the Bruins' starter early in the season but missed most of January with a leg injury.

''It doesn't feel like a fresh start because we have already played [58] games," said Raycroft, whose last start was in a 6-0 loss to Los Angeles Jan. 12. ''But it was nice to get a break and now we can come back rested. I would love to get in and play a game at some point, but it isn't my decision, it isn't my call."

Marco Sturm (upper body injury) will be back on the first line alongside Patrice Bergeron and Brad Boyes. Nick Boynton (flu), who had missed two days of practice, also returned yesterday. P.J. Axelsson, who helped Sweden win the Olympic gold in Turin, is scheduled to rejoin the Bruins in North Carolina.

The Bruins have been practicing for six days, with Sullivan and defenseman Hal Gill rejoining the team after returning from the Olympics this week. Axelsson's return will be especially important for the special teams play.

''He was a key factor in the success of [Sweden]," Sullivan said. ''We hope he can build on that momentum and come back and give us the solid play we expect of him on a nightly basis.

''I think special teams will be a key factor; they have been a key factor all year. Down the stretch, it will continue to be that way and, whether or not there will be more penalties after the break as opposed to before, will remain to be seen. It seems like from night to night it can change."

The Bruins appeared refreshed and relaxed after the 19-day break, having rallied within 2 points of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

''Given the situation going into the break," Sullivan said, ''we had some injuries, and after the break, now guys are closer to coming back. We are going to have a lot of games in a short period of time and the break gave guys a chance to recover both physically and mentally.

''The closer you get to the playoffs, the more competitive the situation becomes. The importance of games heightens, the intensity level heightens. This year has been unique because there are a lot of teams in contention and more games have a playoff feel, and it is going to continue to be that way. It's fun to be a part of that."

The Bruins will play 16 games in the next 29 days, their final 24 games stretch from today through April 15.

''This is the fun part of the year," Gill said. ''We get into more games and there is not as much practicing. It is hard work but it's fun. You look at the standings every day and try to edge up."