01:00 AM EST on Friday, February 10, 2006

BY JOE MCDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Tim Thomas started his 14th consecutive game last night.

The Boston Bruins goaltender has been one of the main reasons the club has enjoyed a resurgence of late, and in the meantime, Andrew Raycroft has been trying to stay sharp. Razor was one of three players to skate on his own yesterday since coach Mike Sullivan canceled the game-day skate due to back-to-back games.

Raycroft (7-16-2) has struggled this season, and after he and rookie netminder Hannu Toivonen went down with injuries, Thomas was called up from Providence. He has been tremendous. Sullivan acknowledged recently that he will continue to go with Thomas as long as the club continues its winning ways.

With the trade deadline a month away, Raycroft's name has been mentioned in numerous rumors, but nothing concrete.

"You try to get through it," said Raycroft. "I'm 25 and have played 110 [NHL] games as a goalie; how many guys play 110 games in their whole career? I'm not worried about it at all. I know there are a lot of teams that would love to have me, and there are teams that I could play for. I'm definitely not worried about my career right now, that's for sure."

Raycroft and Thomas played together for the P-Bruins during the 2002-03 season, and at that time, Raycroft was the prospect. Now, Thomas has emerged as the go-to guy for the Bruins and Raycroft has had to watch from the bench.

"It's been great for him," said Raycroft. "You want people to succeed and you want people to do well. I'm happy for him and I'm happy he's gotten his opportunity and chance."

Thomas has enjoyed success in the AHL and is considered a hockey god in Finland, but it has been interesting that it has taken him this long to make his presence known in the NHL.

"He hasn't had the opportunity," said Raycroft. "There are hundreds of guys who are good enough to be here and don't get a chance, and an opportunity somewhere along the line. It's better late than never for him."

Gill joins Olympic taxi squad

Bruins defenseman and assistant captain Hall Gill was added to the taxi squad of the 2006 U.S. Olympic Hockey team yesterday. Taxi squad players will be available as replacements if current Team USA members are injured during a game.

A former Providence College standout, Gill played his 600th career game in the NHL on Wednesday in Pittsburgh. He recently had his 156-game streak snapped when he was injured He has played 55 games for Boston this season. Gill has participated in four U.S. Men's National teams (2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005).

Samsonov still hurting

Bruins forward Sergei Samsonov was not in the lineup last night due to a bruised foot that he suffered Wednesday night in Pittsburgh.

He has missed a total of six games this season. In 51 games, he has 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 points, while sporting a minus-1 rating.

Praise for PC's Army

New Jersey general manager and interim coach Lou Lamoriello had nothing but good things to say yesterday about his alma mater, Providence College, after his club's game-day skate. A product of PC as both student and administrator, Lamoriello is thrilled with the job Tim Army is doing with the program in his first year as head coach.

"He's doing a fantastic job," said Lamoriello. "It doesn't surprise me. He brings history and brings tradition. He knows the philosophy of the college, knows the game and brings a tremendous amount of credibility into the locker room."

Lamoriello is not surprised by the immediate success the Friars have achieved under Army, who captained the Friars to the NCAA Finals in 1985. Could that magical season reinvent itself with Army as a coach?

"The most important thing is they continue to do the things they're doing, and not worry about the end result," said Lamoriello. "Timmy knows that, but right now there is a foundation that is being formed and people shouldn't look beyond that foundation. It's like a curve of getting better and better, and don't get too excited. But, never get down."

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