Stephane Yelle, one of eight Bruins to participate in an optional morning skate today, is on track to return to the lineup tonight against the Kings. Yelle has missed the last five games because of an upper-body injury suffered on March 7.

"It's never easy," Yelle said of missing action. "At the same time, it gives you a chance to look at it from a different perspective. I'm ready."

In Yelle, the Bruins get back their fourth-line center and penalty-killing specialist. Byron Bitz, who centered the fourth line during Yelle's absence, projects to be the healthy scratch.

* Tim Thomas was the first goalie off the ice this morning, indicating he will make his fifth straight start tonight.

* Claude Julien said any changes on defense would be a game-time decision.

* Other players who skated this morning: Bitz, Manny Fernandez, Steve Montador, Shane Hnidy, Matt Hunwick, Shawn Thornton.