The Bruins today announced that center Chris Kelly will not be available for tonight’s game against the New York Islanders.

In a statement, general manager Peter Chiarelli explaine:

At this time we have not received the proper immigration approval necessary for Chris to play in tonight’s game against the New York Islanders. This is the normal operating procedure for a non-immigrant to legally work in the United States. Chris will meet the team in Ottawa tomorrow and will be available to play in tomorrow’s game against the Senators.

Now before you call Senators Kerry and Brown to complain, look ahead to tomorrow night. An otherwise boring Friday night tilt between the Bruins and Ottawa will now have the feel of a playoff game with Kelly making his Boston debut against his former team in his former city. Oh, the pageantry.

Can’t wait until the first mention of “Kelly wasn’t sure which way to turn for the visitor’s dressing room.” Hilarious stuff. At least the people of Ottawa who are being forced to watch a glorified AHL squad will get a little excitement for one night.

Anyway, the Bruins will have just 12 forwards available tonight against the Isles, unless they get creative and throw Johnny Boychuk up there. Head coach Claude Julien didn’t reveal his starting goaltender this morning, but my money is on Tuukka Rask, who should threaten to go back to Finland if he doesn’t get the start.