Kovalchuk Debut in Boston

Ilya Kovalchuk acquired a week ago has been inserted into the line up tonight. The Boston Bruins acquired the elite goal scorer along with James Neal from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Dion Phaneuf and Alex Steen. All eyes will be on how the team does in the coming weeks.“Moving Dion was one of the toughest decisions I have had to make since becoming GM.” This move solidifies Boston’s top two lines and adds some much needed depth on the wings.hope of taking some pressure off the top line of Toews and Kane. Coach Clouston is expected to tinker with the lines in the next couple of games to see if there is any immediate chemistry. Clouston ran his practice with Neal playing long side of Kane and Toews, while Kovi was on the second line with Koivu.

In other news, he Bruins have called up gritty winger Nate Thompson from the Providence Bruins. He is expected to make his season debut against Atlanta centering the fourth line with Sjostrom and Jones.

Rumor Mill: With the loss of Dion Phaneuf it is expected that GM Valente will be making phone calls over the holidays to see who might be available.