01:00 AM EST on Friday, February 3, 2006

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins added a player last night, but also lost one.

Defenseman Brian Leetch did not play last night due to a groin injury. He returned to the lineup Saturday after missing seven games, and needed to leave Monday's game in Ottawa in the third period. He took a brief twirl during the club's game-day skate yesterday morning at the Garden, but quickly realized he wouldn't be able to play.

"He's day-to-day," said Boston coach Mike Sullivan. "He didn't feel strong enough to play."

Leetch, 37, has missed a total of 18 games this season. In 35 games played, he has four goals and 17 assists, while sporting a minus-4 rating.

Forward Glen Murray returned to the lineup after missing 10 games due to a foot injury. With former linemate Joe Thornton now playing in San Jose, Murray was teamed with Wayne Primeau and P.J. Axelsson last night.

"He's a welcomed addition," said Sullivan. "We're a better team when he's in the lineup. He'll give us an offensive threat every time he's on the ice. He's a complete player, and we missed his leadership on and off the bench."

Murray, 33, has missed 17 games this season, and in the 35 games he has played, he's posted 14 goals and 15 assists, while sporting a minus-4 rating.

Failure to capitalize

Axelsson was awarded a penalty shot in the first period last night, and it was the Bruins' first this season. Defenseman Nick Boynton threaded a stretch pass to the Axelsson, who broke in on Montreal goaltender Cristobal Huet before he was dragged down by defenseman Francis Bouillon. Axelsson missed the penalty shot. He also missed the club's last penalty shot against the Florida Panthers on Jan. 24, 2004.

Langfeld's debut

The Bruins claimed winger Josh Langfeld off waivers from San Jose on Tuesday and he made his Boston debut last night. , Langfeld entered last night's game with two goals and nine assists in 39 games for the Sharks this season. The 28-year-old Fridley, Minn., native was on a line with with Travis Green and Sergei Samsonov last night.

Playing for the enemy

Aaron Downey was hoping the Bruins would claim him after the St. Louis Blues placed him on waivers on Jan. 23. In fact, his agent even put in a call to the Bruins' organization, but the Habs quickly snatched the fiery winger. It was odd to see Downey wearing a Canadiens sweater yesterday especially given the fact he was a fan favorite for the Providence Bruins for three seasons (1997-2000), including the Calder Cup Championship club in 1999.

Ice chips

Forward Ben Guite, who made his NHL debut in Ottawa on Monday, was returned to Providence Tuesday and will play for the P-Bruins tonight . . . Bruins forward Eric Nickulas and defenseman Jiri Slegr were healthy scratches last night . . . Goaltender Hannu Toivonen attempted to skate on Wednesday but his injured right ankle was still tender. There's still no timetable on the rookie's return.

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