BOSTON -- Goalie Andrew Raycroft strained his left hamstring in overtime against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night and will miss five to seven days.

Rookie netminder Hannu Toivonen started (fourth appearance) against the Maple Leafs last night, and Jordan Sigalet was recalled from Providence. Tim Thomas , whom the Bruins signed at the start of training camp as insurance, was not available because he must wait 24 hours to clear waivers. And if another club claimed him, the Bruins would have to count half of his $450,000 salary against their cap.

Raycroft was slated to start against the Leafs last night despite games on back-to-back nights. Now, it's a matter of allowing the hamstring to heal.

"These injuries are give or take, so it's difficult to put a timetable on them," said coach Mike Sullivan . "He's been playing pretty solid. He is making saves for us and giving us a chance to win. We have been in most hockey games, but we've been disappointed with some of the results. Razor has certainly given us a chance to win, and that's all you can ask of your goaltender."

Raycroft is 3-4-2 with a 3.36 goals-against average and an .894 save percentage.

"I haven't had too many injuries in my career," he said. "It's just a strained hamstring, it's not a pull. Obviously, we've been struggling a little bit, but I would rather have it now than in April or March."

Raycroft said he was even able to work out yesterday with the team's strength and conditioning coach,. and is hoping he can be back on the ice in a few days.

A doctor's perspective

While Jonathan Girard contemplates his future back home in Quebec, one local doctor gives an in-depth perspective on the defenseman's injuries.

Girard was involved in a near-fatal automobile accident on July 24, 2003, near his home. He made a remarkable comeback and was at Boston's training camp this season. His body, however, has not responded the way he had hoped, and that's why he will be examined again.

Dr. Robert Shalvoy of University Orthopedics in Providence does not know the specifics of Girard's case, but he fully understands the trauma the defensemen's body suffered during the accident.

Shalvoy said that while Girard is still young (25), his body now is functioning more like that of a 40-year-old.

"His body has changed," said Shalvoy. "He will never be the same. Massive trauma changes you. Mechanically, nothing will be quite right."

Girard, who was one of the team's fastest skaters, has lost a step because of the injuries he suffered in the accident.

Shalvoy knows that it can be tough for Girard to come to grips with what has happened to his body. Damage has been done to it, and he won't be able to regain his pre-accident form.

Injury roll call

The M*A*S*H unit continues to grow. Brad Isbister suffered a groin injury Monday in Toronto and will miss at least a week. Shawn McEachern (back spasms) and Alex Zhamnov (shoulder) remain out indefinitely. Zhamnov was placed on injured reserve yesterday to make room for Sigalet.

Sullivan said prior to last night's game the club is optimistic that McEachern will be in the lineup tomorrow against New Jersey.

"Sitting and watching is no fun," said McEachern. "You want to be on the ice and help the team win. It's frustrating."

Around the boards

Bruins great Cam Neely has been named an ambassador for the team. "I'm honored to be back with the Bruins' organization," said Neely. "Boston is my home and the Bruins have always been a second family to me. I'm looking forward to helping them in any way that I can." Neely's No. 8 was retired by the Bruins on Jan. 12, 2004, and he will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 7. In his new job, he will make appearances on behalf of the team and the Boston Bruins Foundation . . . P-Bruins fans holding tickets for the Feb. 10 game against the Albany River Rats shouldn't make plans just yet. The game may be rescheduled if Peter Manfredo gets a rematch against "Contender" opponent Sergio Mora at the Dunkin' Donuts Center . . . Bruins pugilist Colton Orr dropped the gloves with the Leafs' Wade Belak early in the opening period last night. Orr drew blood from Belak's nose, and Belak had to leave the ice. When he returned in the second session, Belak wore a full face shield.