Hnidy available

Shane Hnidy, acquired from Anaheim yesterday, took the red-eye flight across the country and is in Boston, although he did not participate in the morning skate. Hnidy is expected to play tonight against Washington.

"He's a pretty steady defenseman," said Claude Julien. "He's in-your-face. He's gritty. He comes to play every night. He's probably known more for his defensive play but he still has a pretty good shot."

Hnidy will most likely take the spot of Matt Hunwick.

* Hnidy will wear No. 34. The last Bruin to wear No. 34 was Bryan Berard.

* Tim Thomas will start tonight.

* Thirteen players participated in today's morning skate.

* Tom Poti and Alexander Semin will not play tonight for Washington.

Tonight's expected lineup:

Axelsson-Savard-Kessel
Sturm-Krejci-Kobasew
Lucic-Metropolit-Schaefer
Reich-Nokelainen-Thornton

Chara-Wideman
Ference-Stuart
Lashoff-Hnidy

Thomas