There’s usually something pretty unremarkable about a Thursday night game in October between the Bruins and Florida Panthers. Thursday’s B’s-Panthers game won’t be your usual Thursday game in October, though.

The Panthers announced Wednesday afternoon that Tim Thomas will be the starting goalie for the Atlantic Division tilt against the Bruins in Sunrise, Fla. It will mark Thomas’ first appearance against the Bruins in his career, his first game against Boston since leaving the team last offseason.

Thomas, who won two Vezina Trophies, a Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup with the Bruins, decided to sit out the 2012-13 season. His rights were eventually traded to the New York Islanders, and the veteran netminder signed with the Panthers prior to this season.

Thomas’ status for Thursday night’s game was up in the air as late as Wednesday. The goalie has made two appearances with the Panthers this season, but he left his most recent start with a groin injury. He practiced Wednesday, and the Thursday start will be his first since the injury.