Streaking Thomas, returning Reimer set to square off in Bruins-Leafs tilt

Thomas/By S. Bradley

BOSTON — Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas and Toronto netminder James Reimer were the first puck-stoppers off the ice after their respective teams’ morning skates at TD Garden.

So you already have two interesting storylines for tonight’s Bruins-Maple Leafs tilt before the puck even drops at 7 p.m.

Thomas is riding a nine-game winning streak, which is a career high. The last Bruins goaltender to win 10 in a row, according to the Bruins stats department, was Andy Moog Feb. 27-March 25, 1993.

Reimer will be returning to action after 19 games out with concussion-like symptoms. He was hit by Montreal’s Brian Gionta October 22. Here’s more on Reimer’s return from my NHL.com story.

The Bruins should have the same lines and D pairs from Wednesday night’s win in Toronto. The Leafs are scheduled to have the same lineup except for Reimer and a switch of Cody Franson in for Keith Aulie on defense.