01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, August 18, 2005

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

Andrew Raycroft and Hannu Toivonen are goaltenders, and both likely will be playing for the Boston Bruins this season.

Raycroft is the reigning Calder Trophy winner as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. Toivonen helped the P-Bruins make a serious run at the Calder Cup championship last season. They are both young and have bright futures.

And in less than a month, they will enter training camp with one thing in mind -- the No. 1 netminder's job on the Bruins.

The 2003-04 campaign was Raycroft's first full season in the NHL, and he posted a 29-18-9 record, a .926 save percentage and a 2.05 goals-against average.

Despite the fact the Bruins lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs, Raycroft was outstanding.

During last season's lockout, Toivonen enjoyed a successful season in Providence, in only his second year as a pro. He compiled a 29-18-3 record (including seven shutouts), had a .932 save percentage and a 2.05 GAA.

Raycroft, 25, was the Bruins' fifth-round selection (135th overall) in the 1998 draft. Toivonen, 21, was Boston's first pick (29th overall) in 2002.

Raycroft is a 6-foot-1, 155-pounder who never gets rattled. Toivonen is 6-foot-2, 210 pounds and is more athletic. Raycroft is a proven No. 1 goaltender. Toivonen will be given a chance to succeed.

"Raycroft and Toivonen, that's the plan," general manager Mike O'Connell said recently. "Toivonen has been in the minors for two years and he has seen as many shots as he needs to down there. He needs to see NHL shots and get used to the bright lights."

The Bruins could have signed a veteran to back up Raycroft, as they did two seasons ago when they acquired Felix Potvin. But there's no need to keep Toivonen in the AHL any longer.

"We have two very good, young goaltenders," said goalie coach Bob Essensa. "Obviously, two years ago Andrew surprised a few people, but in the organization he didn't surprise anyone at all. It would be nicer to go into the season with maybe a couple of guys who had a little more NHL experience, in the event of an injury. But when you look at good, young, quality goaltenders, we are in very good standing."

Right now, Raycroft is the team's No. 1 goalie. Toivonen wants to play in the NHL and help the Bruins win.

"It's a great opportunity for me," said Toivonen yesterday from Helsinki, Finland. "Basically, I have nothing to lose. I'll do my best, have fun, and hopefully I'm one of the guys who stay in Boston. That's my goal, and I know I'm capable of doing that. But in this business you have to be aware of all the things that can happen to you and what the future holds for you. I'll do my best and, for sure, I want to be in the NHL."

Is Toivonen ready for the NHL?

"It's hard to say definitely since I haven't played a single game in the NHL," he said. "The last two seasons in Providence have been special, especially last year. It was huge for me and I got to play a lot. Coach (Scott) Gordon gave me the chance to play and gave me great support all year long."

During his first pro season and at the start of last year, Toivonen took losses to heart. That was before Gordon, a former collegiate, Olympic and pro goalie, explained to the young prospect the importance of controlling his emotions.

Not only that, the Bruins' organization learned a lot about its young goalie, who bounced back from midseason arthroscopic knee surgery and was even better when he returned. Also, Toivonen was one of the top goaltenders in the AHL.

"After last season, I'm expecting my game to be a notch better," he said. "Hopefully, I'll be able to do that at the NHL level."

In the meantime, he's been working out with the Finnish National Team. He has not deviated from his offseason workout regimen and is prepared for the season.

The only change will be getting used to the newly mandated smaller equipment for goaltenders. Pads have been reduced by one inch in width to 11 inches. The blocker, chest protector, pants and jersey also have been reduced in size.

"I don't think it is that big of an issue," said Toivonen. "Actually, I'm pretty excited about it. I can't say how the equipment is going to feel because I haven't used it yet. But I expect to be a little bit quicker, and it will be easier to move. There will probably be more goals scored in the games, but it also might make goalies have better reactions, quicker hands and quicker legs. For the quicker guys, it might make them better. It might turn out to be good for me, too."