Bruins send pair to minors

Jan 9, 2009 - 11:46 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins on Friday assigned centers Vladimir Sobotka and Martin St. Pierre to Providence of the American Hockey League.

A fourth-round pick in 2005, the 21-year-old Sobotka has appeared in 15 games with Boston this season, recording one goal and one assist. The 5-10, 183-pound native of the Czech Republic also has registered 10 tallies and 21 points in 17 contests with Providence.

Sobotka made his NHL debut last campaign, collecting one goal and six assists in 48 games.

St. Pierre, 25, has notched a goal and two assists in nine contests with Boston this season. The native of Ottawa also has amassed 10 tallies and 35 points in 30 games with the Bruins' AHL affiliate.

In 30 career NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks and Bruins, the 5-9, 185-pound St. Pierre has recorded two goals and five assists.