The Bruins will play tonight for the last time this season, facing off against an Ottawa club prepping for the playoffs.

"I told the team today that I went through the same thing as a player in New Jersey," said Dave Lewis. "It's an awful feeling to play the last game of the year in your building, taking the jersey off your back, and having it be the last game. It's a very emotional, frustrating, and disappointing time as an athlete."

* Glen Murray (groin) participated in the morning skate, taking one last twirl with his teammates. Murray said he might have gone had it been a playoff game, but he will sit out tonight for the 16th straight game. "It's not just one individual," said Murray (28-17--45 in 59 games). "We need other guys to step up. Every year, you're not going to have a career year. So we need guys to step up and help out."

* Andrew Ference (hand) will not play tonight. Jason York and Bobby Allen, both unrestricted free agents, will play tonight in what may be their final games as Bruins.

* Nate Thompson will be recalled from Providence for tonight's game, which will give the Bruins 12 forwards.

* Tim Thomas will start tonight. It will be Thomas's 66th appearance. "Timmy's played better than I think anyone expected him to," Lewis said. "He's been fatigued at times, maybe from his style and the number of games he's played. But he's one of those guys who always gives it his best every night."