There was definitely a buzz around the Bruins locker room after the team's game-day skate at the Garden this morning. Players and coaches are fired up for tonight's season-opener against the rival Montreal Canadiens.

"I'm sure whoever was doing the schedule had this in mind," said Raycroft. "It's definitely not a coincidence that's for sure. It's good to start off with a rivalry; hopefully it will be an intense game."

The Bruins have a special pregame ceremony planned for tonight. The Stanley Cup banners and the retired numbers hanging from the rafters have been rearranged for the show.

Also, there will be a red carpet celebration, beginning at 4 p.m. Montreal legends Henri Richard and Yvon Cournoyer will join Bruin greats John "Pie Face" McKenzie and Derek "Turk" Sanderson.

Milt Schmidt, the only person to serve as a Bruins player, captain, coach and general manager will drop the ceremonial first puck.