Donovan out

DETROIT -- The Bruins will play with seven defensemen and 11 forwards today because of a lower-body injury to Shean Donovan.

In the second period of yesterday's 4-1 loss to Philadelphia, the right wing collided with Mike York, injuring his left leg. Donovan was grimacing as he made his way to the bench. Donovan was at Joe Louis Arena early this morning for treatment. Dave Lewis didn't think it was a long-term injury.

* Tim Thomas will start today. Thomas is a Michigan native and has never played at Joe Louis Arena as an NHLer. This will be his 100th NHL game. "For somebody who grew up in the state of Michigan, what a reward for him to step onto the ice and play here at Joe Louis," Lewis said.

* Thomas will go against Dominik Hasek, who'll start his second straight game after being sidelined with a thigh injury.

* Lewis said the most significant memory he has of his long Detroit career was winning his first Cup. "It was something I was close to 17 years prior with the Islanders," Lewis said. "It took until 17 years later to get it. That was one of the most emotional days for a coach or player in a pro career."

* Today's game is on NBC at 12:30 p.m.