Facing the best

The Bruins will attempt to extend their latest run to 7-1-1 with a win tonight over Detroit, the best team in the league.

Claude Julien praised the Red Wings for being both skilled and structured, noting they rarely have less than three skaters at their own blue line to stave off opposing rushes.

"They're highly skilled," said Julien. "They've got some experience on that hockey club. The skill level there is extremely high. If you allow them time to make plays, they will make plays."

* Marco Sturm, who missed the 4-1 win over Ottawa on Thursday because of flu-like symptoms, will play tonight. Sturm participated in the morning skate and said he felt much better. This will be his 750th career game, the most of any German player.

* Bobby Allen (back) skated with the team for the first time since Dec. 22. Allen said he'll participate in the team's next practice and perhaps be ready to play by the end of next week.

* Glen Murray (hip flexor) also participated in the morning skate.

* Tim Thomas will start tonight.

Tonight's expected lineup:

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

Chara-Wideman
Stuart-Ward
Ference-Hnidy

Thomas