Bruins-Senators game postponed

BOSTON - "Game is off. Our best to everyone affected, please be safe."

That tweet came from Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference after his team called off Monday night's game with the Ottawa Senators following the explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon earlier Monday.

The Senators had just arrived at TD Garden by bus and the Bruins players were also on hand when the game was canceled. No makeup date was announced as the teams were set to begin the final two weeks of the regular season before moving on to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

"After consultation with city, state and NHL officials we collectively made the decision to postpone tonight's game," Bruins president Cam Neely said in a statement. "Public safety personnel from the city and state are still gathering information regarding today's events and it is vital they have all resources available for their investigation.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the Bruins organization are with the city of Boston and all those affected by today's tragedy."

The NHL release read, "The National Hockey League wishes to express its sympathy to all affected by the tragic events that took place in Boston earlier this afternoon."

The players were not made available but Bruins captain Zdeno Chara also took to Twitter, saying, "Some people make me sick, RIP to all the bombing victims in Boston. #PrayForBoston."

Tweeted Tyler Seguin, before more details emerged: "Hope this was just a horrible accident. Prayers to everyone around the area that they are okay."

Re-scheduling this game could be a problem. The Bruins are playing every other day the rest of the regular season, and a team can't play three days in a row. With both teams ending their seasons Saturday, April 27, both could be available to play the next day or night.

"The game will be rescheduled," said a release from the Bruins front office. "The date and time will be announced at a later date. The National Hockey League wishes to express its sympathy to all affected by the tragic events that took place in Boston earlier this afternoon."

Earlier, Bruins center Patrice Bergeron, who has missed the last two weeks with his fourth concussion, pronounced himself ready to play.

''The final decision's not mine, but I feel I can play tonight,'' he said after the morning skate."

Winger Brad Marchand, skating for a second straight day, has yet to be cleared for contact. He was injured last Wednesday night in New Jersey.

The Senators left TD Garden soon after the cancellation and return home to face the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday night. Monday night was supposed to be the first of four straight home games for the Bruins, who host the Buffalo Sabres Wednesda