As if essentially costing the Bruins a point yesterday with an ill-advised and egregious charge on New York blue-liner Ryan McDonagh wasn't enough, Boston Bruins defensemen Andrew Ference will sit out today's game (and likely more) against the Philadelphia Flyers with a suspension.

Hitting the 32-year-old Ference with a three-game suspension, the first of Ference's 11-year NHL career, the delay in the news came with a report that the NHL was awaiting the final word on McDonagh's injury.

Ference becomes the third Bruin to get suspended this year, joining Milan Lucic (one game in Dec.) and Brad Marchand (five games earlier this month). He's slated to speak with the media following today's game.

Without Ference, the Bruins will dress Steven Kampfer for his NHL first game since Dec. 14. The 23-year-old Kampfer has one point in seven NHL contests this year.

On the heels of their overtime loss to the Rangers, the Bruins are back at it today with another beast of the Atlantic, tangling with the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center. Making it an easy call for Claude Julien, who'll turn to Tim Thomas for another duel with the Flyers.

Entering the day with a 7-0-0 record and .959 save-percentage in seven career games in Philadelphia, the 37-year-old Thomas comes into the day with losses in three of his last five.

Philly will counter with Ilya Bryzgalov for his second start in as many days. Winning yesterday's contest against the New Jersey Devils by way of a 30-save effort, the Russian-born space-shot was yanked in his last start against Boston after surrendering five goals on 20 shots.

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