BOSTON (AP) - The Boston Bruins have assigned forwards Vladimir Sobotka (vlah-DIH'-meer soh-BAHT'-kah) and Petteri Nokelainen (PET'-tree no-kel-EYE'-nen) to their AHL affiliate in Providence.

The team announced Thursday they will join the minor league team for American Hockey League postseason. Providence opens its Atlantic Division finals series against Portland at home on Saturday.

Boston forced the top-seeded Montreal Canadiens to a seventh game in their first-round playoff series before losing 5-0.

Sobotka scored two goals in six of Boston's playoff games. He had a goal and six assists in 48 games for Boston during the regular season.

Nokelainen had two assists in seven of Boston's playoff games. He had seven goals and three assists in 57 regular-season games.