But Sullivan would not reveal the starter for tonight's contest at Carolina and home games against Atlanta tomorrow and Buffalo Saturday.
''We certainly have thought it through and have a game plan as we go," Sullivan said. ''But nothing is ever etched in stone and everything is subject to change. Obviously, performance and team position play into the decision. There are a lot of factors that play into the decision, but, given the fact that there are a lot games in a short period of time, we will have to rely on both guys to get it done for us."
Thomas started 13 successive games before the Olympic break, the last a 6-5 loss to Tampa Bay Feb. 11, a game in which he was replaced by Raycroft in the final minutes.
''The team was playing excellent hockey against some good teams before the break," said Thomas. ''And we start off with some good teams, too.
''It reminds me of the AHL, where you play Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday for stretches of six or seven weeks straight. Hopefully, the break will have helped us because this is a team that has to expend a lot of energy to have success."
Raycroft was the Bruins' starter early in the season but missed most of January with a leg injury.
''It doesn't feel like a fresh start because we have already played [58] games," said Raycroft, whose last start was in a 6-0 loss to Los Angeles Jan. 12. ''But it was nice to get a break and now we can come back rested. I would love to get in and play a game at some point, but it isn't my decision, it isn't my call."
Marco Sturm (upper body injury) will be back on the first line alongside Patrice Bergeron and Brad Boyes. Nick Boynton (flu), who had missed two days of practice, also returned yesterday. P.J. Axelsson, who helped Sweden win the Olympic gold in Turin, is scheduled to rejoin the Bruins in North Carolina.
The Bruins have been practicing for six days, with Sullivan and defenseman Hal Gill rejoining the team after returning from the Olympics this week. Axelsson's return will be especially important for the special teams play.
