Up, then down

Busy day for Mark Stuart, who was officially recalled from Providence this morning. He was then assigned to the P-Bruins after the morning skate. "Not even sure," Stuart said when asked if he'd receive a day of NHL pay.

On Saturday, Providence coach Scott Gordon informed Stuart that he'd be recalled today because one of the Boston defensemen was questionable for tonight's game against Florida. But Dave Lewis said that all his defensemen are ready to go, which meant that Stuart's services weren't necessary.

Lewis did not say which defenseman's health was in question, but all bets are on Brad Stuart, who's playing with a bruised left foot and broken right pinkie. Brad Stuart smiled after he was asked whether there had been any question on his availability for tonight. "Good to go," he said.

* Despite the up-and-down day, Mark Stuart said he feels ready to return to full-time NHL action. He said his right knee feels fine and his timing is good. Stuart has scored a goal and three assists in four games with Providence. Stuart did not play yesterday because of the impending call-up to Boston.

* Stuart also played courier, hauling Yan Stastny's sticks out of the TD Banknorth Garden dressing room. "I might charge him," Stuart said.

* Tim Thomas will start tonight. Thomas was named one of the NHL's three stars of the week. Thomas went 3-0-0 with a 1.60 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage last week.

* Andrew Alberts and Zdeno Chara will most likely be matched up against the line of Olli Jokinen (9-10--19) tonight. Alberts said the rule is to keep things simple and get the puck out of the zone when playing against top-flight offensive guns.

* Expected Boston lineup:

Axelsson-Savard-Murray
Sturm-Bergeron-Boyes
Chistov-Kessel-Tenkrat
Primeau-Mowers-Donovan

Alberts-Chara
Stuart-Mara
Dempsey-Jurcina

Thomas