Wednesday Bruins news and notes

It is a very busy day here for me in the hub. I have been throwing things off the wall with people all morning and afternoon.

However, first things first, the Bruins have a game tonight at the TD Garden against the Atlanta Thrashers.

Here is what I have been told for tonight's contest. Tuuka Rask is the expected starter, with Tim Thomas likely getting the nod for Friday's Winter Classic.

Also, Milan Lucic will not play tonight and is likely out for the Winter Classic. I have been told that Lucic will return sometime between January 4-7.

As far as the Ilya Kovalchuk rumors, people are telling me forget Kovalchuk and focus on a lower priced option. That option could be a guy like Alex Frolov who will cost a lot less and scored 32 goals last season. Frolov has under achieved this season, but if paired with Marc Savard could be a nice fit.

*One final reminder is that Don Cherry night has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. So, no Grapes with Mike Milbury and Kathryn Tappen tonight.

Four Bruins going to Vancouver ... so far.

Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci and Marco Sturm have punched their tickets to Vancouver.

Chara has been named to the Slovakian Olympic roster.

Bergeron has been named to the Canadian Olympic team.

Krejci has been named to the Czech Republic Olympic roster.

Marco Sturm was named to team Germany's Olympic roster.

Team USA's Olympic roster will be announced on January 1, and it is expected Tim Thomas will be one of the three goaltenders heading to Vancouver in February.

Winter Classic in jeopardy for January 1?

NHL Facilities Manager, Dan Craig said, "Right now it looks like we’ll be good to go to play the game," speaking about the Winter Classic. However, forecasts have called for a wintry mix on Friday, which may push the game to Saturday.

I got an email from one of my friends who works for the NHL. They are having an "NHL Tweetup" on Jan 1. If you want further information on the "Tweetup" click the link here. http://nhltweetup.com/2009/10/winter-classic/