MONTREAL -- While the precise nature of the illness that has shelved rookie center Phil Kessel indefinitely has not been disclosed, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli did confirm during an impromptu press conference prior to last night's game that the 19-year-old has undergone what he termed "cancer-related surgery."

The operation was performed in Boston on Monday, and there have been reports that Kessel has been suffering from testicular cancer.

But Chiarelli offered no further information on Kessel's condition, other than to say that "he's resting nicely and progressing well," adding that he is in good spirits.

Chiarelli said that any further word about Kessel's treatment or any length of absence would come in a statement made by Kessel's family issued through the team.

"That's something that the Kessels will disclose when they're ready," said Chiarelli. "We're just trying to honor their wishes."

The mood surrounding the Bruins was subdued after they learned of Kessel's surgery.

But it also was supportive.

"It's between him and his family," said Bruins team captain Zdeno Chara , "as to how specific they want to be about it. Right now, he has to take care of things. His health is the most important thing in life, and we totally understand that. Whenever he's ready, he's going to join us. Until then, we're going to have to play without him."

Ialongo knows

Someone who understands what Kessel is going through is former Providence Bruin and PC Friar Jason Ialongo , who was discovered to have testicular cancer 10 years ago at age 19, the same age as Kessel.

"It was right at the Christmas break," Ialongo, now an insurance agent, said from his office in Cranston. "I was on the ice on a Wednesday, in the doctor's office on Thursday, and in surgery on Friday."

As with many seemingly healthy young athletes, Ialongo said there is no way to brace for such an emotional body blow.

"It hits you like a ton of bricks," he said. "You hear the 'C' word, and immediately you think it's terminal. But one of the doctors said that if you're going to get cancer, this (testicular) is the kind to get."

After the unitial shock had subsided, Ialongo said his first fear simply was being able to get back on the ice.

Not only did he resume skating, he went on to have a stellar career with Providence College, and followed with with two years in the minor leagues, which included a stint with the P-Bruins in 2000.

Based on his own battle, Ialongo said the best thing that Kessel can do is be patient and let the doctors do their work.

"He'll go through times when he'll be too anxious to get back out there," said Ialongo, who is the father of a 10-month-old girl. "But he'll need to take it easy. If he does, he should lead a normal life."

Canadiens grieving

While Boston was dealing with Kessel's illness, the Canadiens and their fans were grieving with general manager Bob Gainey over the disappearance at sea of his daughter Laura on Friday.

Laura Gainey was on deck of the tall ship Picton Castle, nearly 500 miles off Cape Cod, when the ship was hit by a sudden wave, knocking her overboard.

Efforts to locate her proved futile, and on Monday the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for her.

The club honored Laura Gainey's memory with a moment of silence prior to the opening faceoff.

Earlier in the day, the Gainey family issued a statement expressing its thanks for the outpouring of support it has received.

"We wish to sincerely thank all the people who have been involved in the search for our darling Laura," the statement said. "Our family would like to express our deep appreciation for the overwhelming support and prayers."

Finley to P-Bruins

Chiarelli said goaltender Brian Finley had cleared waivers and was assigned to Providence. For the moment, that leaves the P-Bruins with three goalies, including Phil Sauve and Jordan Sigalet .