01:00 AM EST on Friday, January 27, 2006

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The cots in the M*A*S*H unit that doubles as the Boston Bruins' locker room are beginning to empty.

The Bruins expect to have some of their walking wounded back in the lineup soon, and it's possible veteran defenseman Brian Leetch (groin) could be back as soon as tomorrow night against the New York Islanders.

Leetch has missed the last seven games. Forward Glen Murray (foot) has missed the last eight games. Goaltenders Hannu Toivonen (ankle) and Andrew Raycroft (bone bruise) are close to returning.

Raycroft participated in the club's game-day skate yesterday morning at the Garden and could be back sooner rather than later.

"They're all making progress," said Bruins coach Mike Sullivan. "It is encouraging that they are joining the team in practice, and we'll see how they respond. It is certainly encouraging they are getting healthier."

Leetch participated in the game-day skate and the results were positive.

"I felt pretty strong out there, and if I can get through practice [today] I'm hoping to play [tomorrow]," Leetch said. "It's been fun watching on television because the team's playing well. Timmy (Thomas) has come in and has been unbelievable from his first game. He has given the guys a lot of confidence, and it has given me a push to get my rehab going. I'm looking forward to get back."

one line

Toivonen said he is feeling better and he's hoping to get back on the ice sometime next week. He's optimistic he could be back in the lineup prior to the Olympic break, which begins Feb. 12.

In the meantime, he has been able to participate in jumping drills.

"It hasn't been that long (that I've been out)," he said, "but at the same time it feels like forever. It's not easy right now, but I'm getting better."

There's still no timetable on Murray. He said yesterday morning that while he has no problem walking, pushing off with a skate is difficult. Raycroft returned to the ice Wednesday and took some shots from Leetch just to stay loose.

"It's not where I want it to be," said Raycroft of his injured leg, "but it's definitely getting better. It is improving daily."

Sullivan shrugged off the notion that perhaps one of his injured goalies could be sent to Providence for a rehab stint. Raycroft did more than shrug it off.

"I won't discuss that," said Raycroft. "I played enough years in Providence. I don't need to go back down there. I was there a lot and I don't feel like going down there to do that."

Toivonen, however, could take advantage of the Olympic break and play for the P-Bruins so as to get his timing back.

Once everyone is healthy, the Bruins will have some difficult decisions to make. It will be tough to tinker with the current lineup, which has enjoyed success of late.

Said Sullivan: "It's a good problem to have."

Isbister injured

Bruins forward Brad Isbister injured his leg at the beginning of the third period and did not return. According to Sullivan, Isbister will be reevaluated today. It's likely he will miss some action. He was fighting for the puck in the offensive zone with the Capitals' Brendan Witt when he fell backwards and grimaced. Isbister needed help off the ice and was clearly favoring his left leg.

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340