Backup MacDonald will start today

Joey MacDonald won't have to wing it with his mask; his new Bruins cage arrived Thursday. (MIKE STOBE/GETTY IMAGES)

WILMINGTON -- At the rate he's progressing, Joey MacDonald will average a start per week with the Bruins.

But after seeing action in only eight games this season with the Red Wings, his former club, one start every seven days will be just fine for Boston's No. 2 goalie, who'll start this afternoon against the Flyers at the Wachovia Center.

"It doesn't matter what team I play," said MacDonald, who will back up Tim Thomas tomorrow against Detroit. "I just want to build off my last game. One game a week will keep you sharp. Of course you want to play more, but the way things are going this year, if I get one game a week, that's good."

MacDonald, nabbed off waivers from the Red Wings Feb. 24, made his first Boston start last Sunday against the Devils. He stopped 26 shots in Boston's 4-1 win, giving Thomas, who had started the 15 previous games, a much-needed break.

MacDonald (2-5-1, 3.18 goals-against average, .882 save percentage) had a good week of practice, according to coach Dave Lewis. He'll need to be at the top of his game against the run-and-gun Flyers, who peppered Thomas with 55 shots March 1.

MacDonald will debut his new white mask, which finally arrived at TD Banknorth Garden Thursday to replace his old red-and-white model. MacDonald will most likely wear his Detroit-themed pads. He estimated his new Black-and-Gold pads will be broken in next week.

"Whenever I can take a little bit of pressure off Timmy, I can come in and give him that one day of rest," said MacDonald. "It's huge for a goaltender to be nice and fresh."

At approximately 10:30 p.m. Thursday, following Boston's 2-1 loss to the Wild, Jeff Hoggan got the call he'd be getting a promotion from Providence.

Hoggan joined the big club yesterday, skating on the fourth line with Jeremy Reich and Stanislav Chistov. Hoggan has played in 31 games with the Bruins this season, recording two assists. In 19 games with the P-Bruins, Hoggan, who sees power-play time under coach Scott Gordon, has four goals and seven assists.

"They know what I can do," said Hoggan of the Boston coaching staff. "I've got to be consistent with my effort and bring it every night for the rest of the year. These are desperate times and individually, I've got to pull my weight."

The winger replaced David Krejci, who was assigned to Providence yesterday. Krejci was recalled on an emergency basis Thursday to fill in for P.J. Axelsson (broken left wrist). But Krejci was on the ice for both of Minnesota's goals, leading to a second-period benching. Krejci played only 3:03.

"Just more experience," Lewis said of flipping Hoggan and Krejci. "It will be easier for a more experienced guy at this time of year. It's hard. [Krejci] is a first-line center playing the fourth-line center position here. It's totally different. It's a different pace of game. You're not into the game the same way as far as rhythm and things like that. But he looked good. He looked good in practice. He's progressing."

The Bruins practiced in the Reebok uniforms that will be ready for game play in 2007-08. They are tighter along the torso and arms, making for less resistance than the old sweaters, supposedly leading to fleeter skating.

"I'm still waiting for the speed to come," Aaron Ward kidded after practice. "Delayed reaction. I'm just waiting for the newfangled equipment to kick in."

Because the jerseys are tighter, the players looked like they each had shed 20 pounds. Ward joked that he could see Zdeno Chara's six-pack through the sweater, while Jason York offered his theory that the slim uniform was conceived by a French designer.

"All that's missing is a whiff of cologne," cracked York.

Lewis noted that while the jerseys are lighter, the Bruins need some more insulation in the chilly air at Ristuccia Arena.

"We need uniforms that are warmer and thicker in this rink," said a barely-thawed-out Lewis.

In search of offense (one goal in the last 120 minutes), Lewis promoted Brandon Bochenski (15 points in 16 games as a Bruin) to the No. 2 line and dropped Petr Tenkrat to the third line. Lewis said he likes to have the speed of Marco Sturm and Patrice Bergeron complementing Bochenski's goal-scoring ability. When asked whether he's considered pairing Bochenski with Marc Savard, Lewis explained that he prefers speedy wingers (Phil Kessel and Chuck Kobasew) lining up with his No. 1 center . . . Hoggan had a positive scouting report on Hannu Toivonen, who stopped 30 of 32 shots in Providence's 3-2 shootout win over the Lowell Devils last Saturday. "Hannu coming down was definitely a big lift," said Hoggan, "having a goalie like that in the net." . . . The Wreckers will perform at the Garden March 22 after the Bruins-Canadiens game. Tickets for the game and concert can be purchased at the Garden box office, through Ticketmaster, or bostonbruins.com.

Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at FShinzawa@globe.com.