It might just be down right depressing to be a visitor to the Nassau Coliseum today. The Boston Bruins will visit the rat-filled old building with their sights clearly focused on Thursday’s playoff opener, but the New York Islanders know they’re finishing up yet another playoff-less season and they’re the team with the lowest point total in the NHL.

There is absolutely nothing to play for in this one, except tuning up. And that’s where Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas comes in. With the emergence this season of Manny Fernandez as a capable back-up (except for his mid-season injury woes), Thomas should be more rested and ready for the playoffs than last spring. But no one wants to be too rested. So after taking yesterday’s game off, Thomas has to try to put in a full 60 minutes against the Isles, who will be looking to at least head into the offseason on a high note. This is the time of year when scorers especially want to pad their stats for potential contract negotiations and arbitration hearings, so you figure they’ll be shooting from everywhere toward Thomas.

This will also be one last argument for Thomas to make for the Vezina Trophy. One more shutout would enhance his resumé. A poor performance might convince the GMs to throw all their support to Steve Mason of Columbus.

From a team perspective, Thomas hasn’t won a playoff series yet, so his regular-season performance could be dulled by a postseason flameout. That’s why it’s important for Thomas to take this game as serious as possible and make sure his playoffs start with him at his peak.

Season series: The Bruins are 3-0-0 against the Islanders this season. But the Bruins have had to squeak out one-goal victories in the last two meetings.

What they’re writing: Forward Kyle Okposo returned from a groin injury against Philadelphia and he should be among those trying to score on Thomas. … The big date on the Isles’ calendar is Tuesday, when they’ll learn if they’ve won the lottery and the first shot at John Tavares.

Player to Watch: Defenseman Matt Hunwick had a rough day in Buffalo with a minus-3 rating and two miscues that directly led to Buffalo goals. It’s important for the rookie blueliner to have a solid outing at both ends of the rink against the Isles and make his last statement to the coaching staff that he can be trusted in the postseason. Hunwick’s skill set would come in handy against the Habs, but if he’s in a funk he could find himself in the press box for the start of the series.