Rask up to Task, Shuts Out Rangers 1-0

The Boston Bruins and New York Rangers squared off at the Garden on Saturday afternoon. This was an afternoon that starred 21-year-old Tuukka Rask who was making his first start with Boston this season. It couldn't have gone any better for Rask as he shut down the Rangers, blanking New York for his first NHL shutout.

The Bruins opened the game with the better of the chances and just five minutes in King Lunqvist was tested by Phil Kessel who was sent on a break away. Lunqvist made the blocker stop on Kessel but the Bruins ended up on their first power play.

The Bruins and Rangers played a defensive game in the first with each team having a few opportunities for lamp lighting. The goaltenders were solid and the teams hit the locker room with goose eggs on the board.

The Bruins came out in the second flying and just a minute into the period the Bruins were really making Lunqvist work. Zdeno Chara had the best opportunity when he rung one off the post.
The Rangers took control of the period after a few minutes and Rask was up to the task of keeping New York off the board. At the end of the period a good Bruins for check led to the only goal of the game.

Milan Lucic played the body against the side wall and the puck continued back to Dennis Wideman. Wideman took a slap shot that was tipped by Marc Savard and past Lunqvist, 1-0 Bruins. The goal went under review but Toronto said that Savard's stick was below the cross bar and the goal stood. The goal was Savard's 19th of the season.

The final 22 seconds of the second period played out and the Bruins were 20 minutes away from two points.

The Bruins started the third period the same way as they had the first two, fast. Lunqvist was tested, but continued playing well and kept the Rangers in the game.

Rask was then the goalie that needed to step up down the stretch as the Rangers pressed to tie the game. The Rangers hit the post a couple of times and the Bruins faithful started getting a little restless.

New York continued to make Rask work in the final few minutes but Tuukka was up to the challenge and as time ran out Rask hopped up in the air. The youngster was clearly excited on earning his first career NHL shutout.

With the win the Bruins continued to pad their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings. Boston next plays tomorrow afternoon against the Canadiens in Montreal.

Devils Steal Bruins Soul With OT Win

The Bruins came into tonight's game against the Devils taking place in three straight overtime affairs. Well, better make it four.

The Bruins and Devils decided to face-off literally just three minutes in when Shawn Thornton got manhandled in one of the most lop sided fights of the year.

The Bruins and Devils were trying to establish the play after the fight and the Bruins had their chances. Blaker Wheeler had the best chance for the Bruins, having his shot slide off of the post.

With the Bruins on the power play they looked to take the momentum, however, Jamie Langenbrunner had other plans. Langenbrunner came in on Tim Thomas on a partial break away and was able to net the first goal of the game (short handed) for the 1-0 lead.

The Bruins fought for the rest of the period but were not able to put any rubber behind Scott Clemmensen.

New Jersey came out in the second and was skating all over the Bruins. The Bruins had their chances on a couple of New Jersey penalties but for the most part the Devils controlled the play.

The Devils found themselves on the power play with under seven minutes to go in the second period already up a goal. New Jersey was able to capitalize just a few seconds later as Zach Parise knocked a shot off of Thomas and past the goal line.

At the end of the second period the Bruins were down a pair and it looked like it was going to be easy for the Devils to skate to seven straight.

The Devils came out hard but it was the Bruins who got on the board first on quite the ugly goal. Chuck Kobasew took the puck away from Clemmensen behind the goal and stuffed a wrap around attempt off the post. Kobasew got taken to the ground by a New Jersey defender and the Jersey D-man actually pushed the puck past the goal line.

Just like that the Devils lead was cut in half and with over 17 minutes left, we had a game. A game that became knotted up just a few minutes later. This time it was Marc Savard putting home a nice feed from Phil Kessel and the score was 2-2.

The unthinkable then occurred just a few minutes later. The Bruins had stormed back from a two goal deficit to take the lead with just six and a half to go when Dennis Wideman found the twine. Clemmensen looked like he never saw it and the sell out crowd was jumping.

In the final two minutes the Devils broke Boston's spirit when Patrick Elias deflected a Brian Gionta pass past Thomas. The teams were headed to overtime tied at three and the Bruins were headed to overtime for the fourth straight game.

This one didn't turn out as good as it did the last two times however. Langenbrunner picked up a loose puck in front of the net and swiped one under Thomas for a 4-3 win. With the win the Devils extended their winning streak to seven and moved into second place in the Eastern Conference.

The Good News Keeps on Coming: Kessel Cleared for Action

The All-Star break has come and gone and everyone is talking about the trade deadline and what the Bruins need to add. Well, how about Patrice Bergeron, Milan Lucic and Andrew Ference. Check. And what about Phil Kessel? With the first three guys coming back Tuesday night against the Capitals all the Bruins need is to get back their first line right wing. After today's practice it looks like that might come tomorrow.

Yes, PK is probable for tomorrow's game against the Devils. This is great news to the Bruins, like they needed it sitting 11 points atop Washington for Eastern Conference supremacy. Kessel went through a full practice today and was cleared for action. Now what does this mean for the Bruins roster? How about we take a look at a potential Thursday night line-up.

Lucic - Savard - Kessel

Wheeler - Krejci - Ryder

Axelsson - Bergeron - Kobasew

Thornton - Yelle - Bitz

Chara - Ward

Ference - Wideman

Stuart - Hnidy/Hunwick

Chiarelli: Lucic, Ference and BERGERON to return to line-up tomorrow

*All of the Bruins who have been out of the line-up hit the ice today. In some breaking news from the AHL All-Star game, Peter Chiarelli said Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron and Andrew Ference should play tomorrow.

This was an announcement that shocked Bruins circles, atleast as far as Bergeron goes. Bergeron back against the Caps? The GM says so, but we shall see.

*Tuukka Rask was recalled from Providence on an emergency basis.
The reason for this? Well it is because Manny Fernandez's back is acting up again. Coach Claude Julien said that goalie Manny Fernandez is experiencing some ''general soreness'' and is likely to miss a few games.

*Michael Ryder missed practice today due to flu-like-symptoms, however, he is expected to play tomorrow.

BruinSpace Injury Report

PROBABLE

Milan Lucic

Patrice Bergeron

Andrew Ference

OUT

Phil Kessel

Chara and Wheeler Shine at All-Star Skills

Zdeno Chara was at it again Saturday night when he not only took home his third straight Hardest Shot title, but did so in record setting fashion. Chara made sure he dusted off his bazooka before this one and rifled a 105.4 MPH slap shot to break Al Iafrate's then record of 105.2 MPH. The record stood for 16 seasons and man will I miss the flash backs to see Iafrate's breathtaking mullet.

With the record setting performance Zdeno Chara was the winner of, Chara's Charity Challenge. Chara will be donating $24,000 to his favorite charity foundation, Right to Play. Great work by Chara, the rest of the partricipants, the NHL and NHLPA for putting up a hefty sum for charity.

Chara wasn't the only Bruin recognized last night as Blake Wheeler scored a hat trick in the 18 minute edition of the Young Star's game. Wheeler took home the MVP trophy for the game and surely showed his great skill-set to those watching.

Bruins assign three to Providence

Matt Lashoff, Vladimir Sobotka, and Martin St. Pierre have been assigned to Providence.Is this just to get the guys some ice time during the All-Star break or are these players down for good? With Andrew Ference probably ready when the Bruins return from the break, Lashoff could have seen his last stretch with the Bruins. With Ference back the Bruins will have seven defensemen with Chara, Ward, Hunwick, Wideman, Stuart, Hnidy and Ference, so already someone will have to sit.

With Milan Lucic apparently ready to go the Bruins will only need one forward, although they may bring up both St. Pierre and Sobotka for insurance.

Boston heads into the All-Star break by returning to their winning ways

The Bruins and the Maple Leafs faced off in an original six tilt tonight and it certainly lived up to original six standards.

The Bruins had Aaron Ward back in the lineup tonight, in the first of what will hopefully be many Bruins player returns. The Bruins had the same players dress up front but there were some different line combinations tonight with Vladimir Sobotka joining the first line.

The Bruins and Leafs felt each other out for the first half of the first period until the Bruins had a sudden lapse on the defensive end. With about six minutes to go in the period the Leafs got on the board when Jason Blake fired one past Tim Thomas for the early Toronto lead.

Just a little over a minute later the Bruins got on the board when Blake Wheeler tipped in a Ward shot from the point. The Bruins skated off the ice tied with the Maple Leafs after 20 minutes.

With Wheeler in the box for a high stick, Toronto took quick advantage and regained the lead. Kubina Stempniak was trying to camp out in front but was knocked down. However it wasn't in time and Stempniak was able to put a rebound attempt past Thomas.

With the lead, the Maple Leafs took over the play and were able to pad a two goal lead. The Bruins had yet another defensive breakdown in the period and this time Thomas wasn't able to make the stop. Brad May finished off a nice Toronto rush and the Leafs hit the locker room with a 3-1 lead.

The Bruins found themselves in a place in which they have not come back from this season, and that was down after 40 minutes. The Bruins, however, got a nice opportunity to turn things around as in the opening minute they found themselves on the Power Play.

At the tail end of the Power Play, Dennis Wideman threw a shot on goal just to try and create a flurry but ended up finding twine and the Bruins had cut the Toronto lead to one.

The Bruins were frantically trying to tie the game when the captain took it into his own hands. Chara pounded one into the back of the goal and the Bruins evened it up. With just under six minutes to go, we had a brand new hockey game on our hands.

The Bruins and Maple Leafs finished regulation tied at three and for the second straight game Boston was headed for overtime. And after five minutes of scoreless overtime the Bruins found themselves headed to their second straight shootout where they hoped to fair a little bit better this time around.

The Maple Leafs scored on two of their three opportunities and with Boston netting one of their first two it was up to Martin St. Pierre to continue the shootout. St. Pierre beat Toskala and with a Tim Thomas stop and a Michael Ryder goal, the Bruins left Toronto victorious.

It's All-Star time and everyone in the Eastern Conference is envious of Boston's positioning. The Bruins have climbed the first half of the mountain that is the NHL season and right now are far ahead of the other hikers on the trail.

Heading to Toronto

The Bruins and Maple Leafs will face off Wednesday night in Toronto. Here are some of the things happening today...

*Patrice Bergeron will not travel to Toronto today. He will remain back home for conditioning work.

*Because of his injured shoulder, Milan Lucic will not participate in the YoungStars Game this weekend. Blake Wheeler will still play on the rookie squad.

The Injury Report for Wednesday night.

OUT

Andrew Ference

Doubtful

Milan Lucic

Questionable

Aaron Ward

All three will make the trip North.

St. Louis has Boston Singing the Blues

Going into Monday's game with the Blues, it looked like a pure mismatch on paper. The best in the East against the worst in the West. However, at the end of the day, all be it a little controversial the St. Louis Blues walked away with a 5-4 SO victory.

Today, the Bruins decided to do a little rotating of the lines and Blake Wheeler got the bump to play with Marc Savard and Chuck Kobasew. Just 4:26 into the first period the move paid dividends as Wheeler found Kobasew who beat Manny Legace for an early lead.

After the early lead the Bruins began to get sloppy and just over three minutes later lost their lead as Brad Winchester slapped one past some bodies and into the Bruins cage.

The rest of the period went by with both teams looking equally as ugly and the teams hit the room tied, 1-1.

About seven minutes into the second, after the Bruins had gone unsuccessful on the Power Play, Jay McClement was able to pick up a pass on the right wing and beat Tim Thomas.

The Blues were able to carry the lead into the locker room. It wasn't a quiet end to the second period, however, as Zdeno Chara mixed it up with a few Blues players, receiving a double minor for his part.

The third period went along and it looked as though the Bruins were going to lose an ugly one to the Blues not being able to solve, Chris Mason.

However, with just over five minutes to play in the third the Bruins found themselves on a five-on-three. Just 21 seconds into the five-on-three, the new, best one-two punch on the Bruins connected. David Krejci found Michael Ryder who sniped one past Mason and the Bruins tied it up, still finding themselves on the Power Play.

Just 19 seconds later the Bruins took their first lead since early in the first period. PJ Axelsson wristed one through a big crowd and his shot had eyes, finding the twine, 3-2 Bruins.

With just 3:02 to go in the third period the Bruins looked like they had put it away when Chara wristed one through traffic and past Mason who didn't look like he saw the Chara shot. A two goal lead with three minutes to go at the Garden, against the Blues, no chance right? Wrong.

With 80 seconds remaining and the Blues on the Power Play thanks to a Stephane Yelle trip, David Perron found the goal and the Garden crowd suddenly had lost their spunk.

Then, with less than a second to play in regulation, the Blues broke the Bruins faithful hearts as David Backes put in a questionable goal and the Blues forced overtime with the black and gold. The goal was reviewed and the stood as called, a goal.

The teams went to overtime and nothing was decided there, so on to a shoot out they went.

Blake Wheeler hit the iron in the shootout and Axelsson was denied by Mason. Meanwhile, old friend Brad Boyes broke his old team's heart, beating Tim Thomas and ending the miserable matinee.

The Blues five, the Bruins four. Was this a questionable win for St. Louis with the way the last goal was scored? It was certainly close at best but in the end the Bruins didn't deserve walking out of the Garden with two points in hand.

The Bruins remain a beat up crew

Thoughts about the MLK day matinee...

So after the tough loss to Washington the Bruins will look to jump all over a weak opponent. Now who will be in the lineup? That is the question. Guys like Ward, Ference, Bergeron and Lucic are supposedly close but don't look like the will return on Monday. Dennis Wideman didn't skate today but is supposedly ready to go tomorrow. Wideman's knee is bothering him a little bit after the tilt with the Capitals.

From what I've heard, here is my injury list.

OUT
Milan Lucic
Andrew Ference
Patrice Bergeron

DOUBTFUL
Aaron Ward

PROBABLE
Dennis Wideman

It is expected that Bergeron, Ference and Lucic will sit out until after the All-Star break. Ward could be back on Wednesday night on the team's trip to the hockey capitol of the world, Toronto.

Ference, Bergeron taken off IR: Thomas to start

Milan Lucic (shoulder), Patrice Bergeron (concussion), and Andrew Ference (tibia) will not play tonight against Washington. Andrew Ference and Patrice Bergeron were both taken off Injured Reserve today.

* Tim Thomas will start tonight. This will be Thomas' fourth straight start in goal.

* Matt Lashoff will play his second straight game without a visor. Lashoff said his peripheral vision is slightly better without the shield.

* Aaron Ward has been skating at Ristuccia Arena healing up after aggravating his charley horse injury. Coach Claude Julien said Ward might be available for Monday's matinee against St. Louis.

Bruins avoid trap, escape the Island as 2-1 winners

TIMMY TURNS ASIDE 40 ON THE ISLAND

Phew, it looked for a while like the Bruins were in the midst of a trap game. Of course after playing the Canadiens on Monday (closest to them in the Northeast) and looking ahead to the Capitals on Saturday (Second in the Eastern Conference) the lowly Islanders can be a team to look over.

It looked tough early but the Bruins pulled it out in the end with an ugly 2-1 win. The only bright spot was Tim Thomas who only allowed one goal on 41 shots. The Islanders were able to get a cheap goal late with less than a minute to go.

BRUINS GOAL SCORERS

Marc Savard (15) - Assists: Chuck Kobasew (14) & Mark Stuart (4)

Martin St. Pierre (2) - Assists: Vladimir Sobotka (2) & Shawn Thornton (4)

ISLANDERS GOAL SCORERS

Bill Guerin (14) - Assists: Chris Campoli (9) & Mike Comrie (8)

Star of the game: Tim Thomas - 40 Saves

Feranandez back in, while Ward back out: Lucic & Ference Close

OK Bruins fans, we had a busy day of ups and downs so here we go.

*Tuuka Rask was sent back to Providence this morning by the Bruins.

*The reason for that you may ask? Well, Manny Fernandez is said to be ready to get back on the bench. That is where you would expect Manny for Thursday's tilt against the Islanders. Fernandez was apparently suffering form back spasms. Fernandez said the two games he took off to rest helped a lot.

*Vladimir Sobotka has been recalled from Providence. Sobotka will look to crack the lineup during the two game road trip to New York and Washington. His best chance would be tomorrow as Milan Lucic is doubtful for tomorrow's game but may return Saturday night in Washington.

*With Sobotka coming up that means someone had to go down and the victim was Martins Karsums. Karsusms went back to Providence with Rask this morning.

*Matt Lashoff has been recalled by the Bruins and will play this week against both the Islanders and Capitals.

*The reason that Lashoff will play you may ask? It is because Aaron Ward, injured during last night's second period, will not travel with the team to Long Island and Washington. Right now the Bruins are saying about a week for Ward which would suggest he may miss the Bruins Monday matinee with the Blues also.

* Some injured Bruins making the trip will be Patrice Bergeron, Milan Lucic, and Andrew Ference. Lucic is the closest of the three to returning to the lineup and said tomorrow remains a possibility.

*Patrice Bergeron will make the trip but he will not play. So, what about Andrew Ference you may ask. Well, Ference who initially planned to make a mid January return is making the trip. He has been ruled out against the Islanders, but what about in Washington Saturday night. Saturday night is the 17th of January. I'd consider that mid January, wouldn't you?

Thomas, Bruins deliver KO, Beat Habs 3-1

The Boston Bruins met the Montreal Canadiens for regular season meeting number, 697 tonight at the Garden. While both sides were ailing with some big injuries the game still had plenty of meaning.

The Canadiens came out with purpose, and carried the play for much of the period. The Bruins threw their weight around trying to slow down the Montreal attack but the Canadiens were keeping a steady attack.

The Canadiens put plenty of rubber on Tim Thomas who had to make 17 first period saves to keep the Habs off the board. The teams went into the room with Montreal holding the early edge in momentum.

The second period started and just a few minutes in the Canadiens found themselves on the Power Play. Everyone's least favorite brothers (The Kostitsyn's) were able to hook up on the Power Play with Andrei burying the goal with a little help from brother, Sergei.

Five minutes later the Bruins were on a Power Play of their own, and Zdeno Chara took it amongst himself to even the score. Chara cleaned up the garbage in front, which in this case was an Aaron Ward rebound and knotted the game at one.

The game continued on and the Canadiens found themselves on yet another Power Play when the momentum turned. Andrei Kostitsyn lined up Ward from behind and plastered him into the glass. Ward lay on the ice for a while before getting up, OK at least for the moment. As Kostitsyn skated away from Ward and toward the goal, Thomas gave him a two handed smack down, planting Kostitsyn in the ice.

Kostitsyn ended up with a five minute major for boarding while Thomas got, two minutes for a rough. The Bruins were on the initial Penalty Kill but as soon as David Krejci got out of the box, Montreal took another penalty and the Bruins had a five-on-three for two minutes.

With just 96 seconds left in the period Captain Chara's one-timer deflected off the stick of Andrei Markov and fluttered past Jaroslav Halak. The shot looked like Chara took a page out of Russ Tyler's book in D2 and put a knuckle puck top dog.

The second period was over and the Bruins had stolen the momentum from the Habs. 2-1 Bruins and Timmy was turning in a heavyweight performance.

The action went back and forth in the third period, with both teams having some good chances. Tim Thomas had to make a great toe save to keep the Habs from tying the game with less than five minutes remaining.

With a little over a minute to go Michael Ryder came right down the slot on Halak but was denied. Ryder, however, kept with the puck and found David Krejci off the right post who hacked the dagger into the Canadiens heart.

This chapter in the Bruins vs. Habs rivalry was closed with a 3-1 win for Boston. With the win the Bruins are now 11 points clear of Washington in the Eastern Conference.

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AARON WARD KNICKED UP AGAIN

*According to Claude Julien, Aaron Ward aggravated his charley horse in the second period. Ward was apparently limping around in the locker room after the game and said he took a few shots off the leg which didn't help the cause either.

Bruins confirm Sturm out for Season & Playoffs

THE BRUIN'S STATEMENT ON MARCO STURM'S SURGERY

Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced that earlier today Marco Sturm underwent successful surgery to repair his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Peter Asnis and Dr. Thomas Gill at Mass General Hospital, and will force Sturm to miss the rest of the 2008-2009 NHL season.

Kessel placed on IR: Fernandez and Hnidy updates

EDIT--

Peter Chiarelli said it is going to likely be a month without Phil Kessel for the Eastern Conference Leading Bruins.

Chia had this to say...

''The general assessment of mononucleosis is that a guy is typically out around a month,'' said Chiarelli. ''That said, it could be longer, could be shorter...all based on how an individual recovers.''

This will be quite a chunk of games in which Kessel will be out. How much more can they take, with Sturm, Bergeron and now Kessel out up front?

*The Bruins announced late this afternoon that forward Phil Kessel has mononucleosis and is going on injured reserve. No indication how long Kessel will be out. Although, as you would know if you've had mono, it takes a while to regain your strength. The Bruins called up Martin St. Pierre to take Kessels spot. Who will be the first line call up? If Milan Lucic is healthy again you can bet he might be the guy.

*In other roster moves, the Bruins sent down Matt Lashoff and Kevin Regan (came up for practice today) and called up Tuuka Rask.

*Shane Hnidy skated today with a visor at practice. Hnidy will suit up tomorrow night against the Canadiens wearing the visor.

*Netminder Manny Fernandez remained out of uniform with what head coach Claude Julien referrred to as a ''minor issue.'' Fernandez is questionable to suit up against the Habs, and if he doesn't it will be Tuuka Rask on the bench, backing up Tim Thomas.

Shanahan Signs With Devils: Carbonneau will be Julien's Right Hand Man in All-Star Game

From NHL.com--

Brendan Shanahan is going home again.

Shanahan, who began his career with New Jersey more than 20 years ago, has agreed in principle to rejoin the Devils, who selected him with the No. 2 pick in the 1987 Entry Draft."

Brendan Shanahan has agreed in principle to join the New Jersey Devils," General Manager Lou Lamoriello said in a statement issued Saturday. "He will begin skating on his own. Brendan will join the team at a date to be determined."

Shanahan has not yet signed a contract, but Lamoriello said that will be worked out, "in the next couple of days."

*We are posting this bulletin as it was thought that the Bruins may have been interested in bringing in Shanahan to fill the hole left after Marco Sturm went out with a season ending knee injury. Now it looks as if the Bruins will have to look inside the organization to fill the hole; atleast for now.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On another note Claude Julien will be joined by Guy Carbonneau on the bench at the All-Star game. What do you know about that, a Bruins and Canadiens coach on the same bench. It's also funny that the game is in Montreal but the Bruins head man will be the ring leader for the East. Ah, the story lines are endless. The two can talk about that Tuesday at the Garden when the Canadiens will face-off with the Bruins, but I doubt it.

Rask Heading Back to Providence

Peter Chiarelli has announced that the club has assigned goaltender Tuukka Rask to the Providence Bruins. Rask was recalled earlier today on an emergency basis and served as the team's backup goalie in their 5-1 win over the Hurricanes.This would indicate that Manny Fernandez is OK and will be back with the Bruins on Tuesday night. Still no word on why Fernandez missed the game, but with the quick assignment of Rask it looks like it may have just been the flu.

Boston up Five After Two, Cruise to 5-1 Win

The Boston Bruins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1, Saturday afternoon at the Garden. The Bruins led 5-0 after two periods and held on for their second straight victory.

The game started out with the Bruins looking a little sluggish, but it didn't take long for the B's to wake-up. Just six minutes into the game the Bruins found themselves on the power play and with just a few ticks remaining on the PP they were able to capitalize.

Dennis Wideman found a streaking Blake Wheeler, who dished to David Krejci who put a back hand shot past Cam Ward.

Then at 17:21 of the first period, one of the call ups, Martins Karsums was able to collect his first NHL point. The goal was credited to Stephane Yelle as he was able to knock in the puck heading toward the goal. At the end of 20 minutes the Bruins led the Hurricanes 2-0.

In the first few minutes of the second period another Bruin tallied his first career NHL point. This time is was Byron Bitz who got the helper on Mark Stuart's goal. The goal would spell the end for starter, Cam Ward who looked weak giving up the third goal.

Michael Leighton replaced Ward in net, but things didn't get any better for Carolina.

Michael Ryder was the next Bruin to get on the board on a feed from David Krejci. Ryder slid the puck through the crease on what looked to be a pass attempt, but the shot found the goal and the Bruins were delivering a knock-out punch early.

The final goal of the day for the Bruins came from Ryder again, however, Krejci was the guy that made the play that will put him in Sports Center's Top-10. Krejci made a behind the back pass to Ryder which had the Bruins fans ooh'ing and aw'ing.

Then, in the final few minutes Matt Hunwick who threw an elbow a bit earlier had to answer the bell. He got into a bout with Justin Williams and it looked like Williams was going to take Hunwick to school until Hunwick landed a huge right that put Williams on his backside.

The Bruins went to the third with a five goal lead and coasted to the victory. The only blemish against Tim Thomas, was a goal from Justin Williams who made a nice tip off of a Frantisek Kaberle wrist shot. Thomas had already committed to the shot and had no chance once Williams changed direction of the shot.

With the win the Bruins moved to, 31-7-4 and are now nine points ahead of the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference.

The Bruins next game of course needs no introduction, as the Bruins will face-off against the Habs Tuesday night at the Garden.

Rask Recalled: Julien to Coach Eastern All-Star's

New York (from NHL.com) -- Head coaches Claude Julien of the Boston Bruins and Todd McLellan of the San Jose Sharks will lead the Eastern and Western Conference All-Star Teams, respectively, at the 57th NHL All-Star Game, Sunday, Jan. 25 at Bell Centre in Montreal (6 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS, VERSUS, NHL Radio).
Head coaches Bruce Boudreau of the Washington Capitals (27-12-3, .679) and Guy Carbonneau of the Canadiens (24-10-6, .675) still are in contention for the Eastern Conference assistant coaching berth, which will go to the winner of tonight's game between the clubs at Montreal.

Wouldn't that be interesting if Carbonneau was on the bench with Julen?

*Tuukka Rask was recalled today from Providence and will back up Tim Thomas, replacing Manny Fernandez on the bench. Claude Julien said there's a minor issue with Fernandez. Stay tuned for that.

This means that Tim Thomas will be in goal for the B's.

Karsums and Bitz Recalled For Today's Tilt With Carolina

The Bruins have recalled Martins Karsums and Byron Bitz from Providence. Both are expected to play today against Carolina.

BOSTON--

Bitz has registered three goals and seven assists in 37 games for Providence this year. The 24-year-old scored 13 goals and made 14 assists in 61 games with the Providence Bruins last year. Before joining the P-Bruins in 2007, Bitz played four seasons at Cornell University with 28-60-88 totals and 155 penalty minutes in 124 career games.
The 6'5", 215-pound Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native was originally drafted by the Bruins in the 4th round (107th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. This is the first recall of Bitz' professional career.

Karsums is currently the leading scorer for Providence with 16 goals and 23 assists in 38 games, and ranks 8th in points overall in the AHL. Recently named an AHL All-Star, he will play for the Planet USA team in the AHL All-Star Classic on January 26. He was recalled by Boston earlier this year and made his NHL debut against the Atlanta Thrashers on December 13. He tallied a career-best 20 goals and 43 assists in 79 games during his second professional season with the Providence Bruins last year and joined the P-Bruins in 2006 after playing three seasons of junior hockey with Moncton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
The 5'10’", 198-pound Riga, Latvia native was originally drafted by the Bruins in the 2nd round (64th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Hnidy out vs. Canes

*Shane Hnidy will not play tomorrow afternoon against the Hurricanes. He is expected back on Tuesday night when the Bruins will face off with the Habs in the final game of a six game home stand. When Hnidy returns he is expected to have to play with a visor. Hnidy took a shot to the eye Tuesday night against the Wild.

*Also, as I posted earlier Milan Lucic is also out. The Bruins sent down Vladimir Sobotka and Martin St. Pierre to Providence. The initial thought was that one of these players would come back up to take Lucic's spot. However, with the Bruins needing to fill two spots coach Claude Julien said neither Sobotka or St. Pierre will get the recall.

One expected recall is Martins Karsums who leads the P-Bruins in points. The other is up in the air. However, my guess is that it will either be Jeremy Reich or the more probable call up, Brad Marchand. No doubt Peter Chiarelli is looking for a guy to come up and impress with the news that Marco Sturm has been lost for the season.

Bergeron speaks: Sturm to have surgery, lost for season: Lucic out vs. Hurricanes

A very busy day in the hub of hockey...

*Vladimir Sobotka and Martin St. Pierre have been assigned to Providence.

*Milan Lucic (undisclosed injury) will not play tomorrow.

So this would make the move that was made earlier today of sending Sobotka and St. Pierre to Providence strange. Martins Karsums was called up yesterday on an emergency basis and from what I've seen he hasn't been sent back so I'd expect Karsums to play. We'll see someone else called back to play up front on the fourth line. Vlad Sobotka was a guy you had to expect to be sent down. I don't think Claude Julien has been too impressed with his defensive play.

*Marco Sturm will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. GM Peter Chiarelli said there is a good likelihood that the ACL will need repair too.

Ok people, some people are saying Sturm could come back come playoff time, but forget about it. If there is anything at all wrong with the ACL that is a minimum of six months out of action. So what do the Bruins do?
Peter Chiarelli said he hasn't looked outside of the organization to fit the bill, filling in for Sturm. Would I expect Chiarelli to try and find some help somewhere? Likely. You could sign Brendan Shanahan for less than a million dollars and not lose anyone in the process, just throwing some old rumors out there.

*Milan Lucic and Blake Wheeler will participate in the inaugural rookies vs. sophomores game during the All-Star weekend.

This is always a fun game to see some of the young studs in the league.

*Patrice Bergeron, making his first public appearance since suffering a concussion on Dec. 20 against Carolina, spoke for approximately 15 minutes in the home dressing room at TD Banknorth Garden this morning.

Patrice had this to say about his thoughts on coming back this year. "I'm very confident I'll play this year," said Bergeron. "It's a matter of when. That's why I don't want to put on a date on it and get disappointed like I was last year in the playoffs. I've learned from that. So yes, I do think I'll be back."

*Although both Bruins goalies, Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez, can be unrestricted free agents July 1, the Ottawa Sun reports it is believed Boston will keep both instead of trading one before the trading deadline. Thomas, who is popular in the Bruins dressing room, could then be re-signed to a contract extension before he can hit the market, according to the Sun.

It will be real interesting to see what the Bruins do with the goal tending situation. With Tuuka Rask waiting in the wings, how will it play out? We shall soon see.

Thomas, Chara, Savard, named All-Stars: Karsums recalled, Bergeron to talk to media tomorrow

*Tim Thomas, Zdeno Chara, and Marc Savard will be going to Montreal for the All-Star Game as Eastern Conference reserves.
Now, the first thought is to think, alright three Bruins in the game. However, there were some guys that might have deserved to crack the lineup, like the teams leading goal scorer, Phil Kessel. In not making the team, Kessel, who was certainly deserving of an All-Star selection, will miss out on a $212,500 bonus because he didn't make the roster.
*In a move that was not made until late, thanks to Milan Lucic not being able to go, Martins Karsums was promoted from Providence on emergency recall. Karsums appeared in one game for the big club this season. It just shows how much the Bruins are beat up as Karsums is the third Bruins call up from Providence due to injury. Vladimir Sobotka and Martin St. Pierre have already been called up and were on skating on the fourth line tonight.

*Finally, and most importantly Patrice Bergeron will speak about his concussion suffered on Dec. 20. tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. at TD Banknorth Garden. This will be the first time Bergeron will speak to the media since suffering the concussion.

Boston's Strong Third Carries B's over Sens

The Boston Bruins defeated the Ottawa Senators 6-4 Thursday night despite a laundry list of injuries. Shane Hnidy (eye) and Milan Lucic (undisclosed) were the newest Bruins on the shelf for this one. With the win, the Bruins have grabbed their 30th win of the season. Tonight was game number 41, putting the Bruins at the exact half way point of the season sitting atop the NHL with a 30-7-4 record and 64 points.

GAME NOTES

Scorers - BOSTON

Aaron Ward (1) Assists: David Krejci (28) & Michael Ryder (14)

Chuck Kobasew (7) Assists: Dennis Wideman (19) & Phil Kessel (17) Michael Ryder (15) Assists: Blake Wheeler (12) & Marc Savard (37)

David Krejci (15) - Unassisted

Marc Savard (14) Assists: Chuck Kobasew (12)

P.J. Axelsson (3) Assists: Marc Savard (38)

Scorers - OTTAWA

Chris Phillips (3) Assists: Jason Spezza (16) & Dany Heatley (21)

Chris Kelly (5) Assists: Antoine Vermette (8) & Jesse Winchester (6) Brendan Bell (3) Assists: Dean McAmmond (3) & Chris Neil (2)

Antoine Vermette (4) Assists: Chris Kelly (6) & Jesse Winchester (7)

The Bruins will next face off against the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday afternoon at the Garden. Shane Hnidy is expected to be back in the lineup, but we'll keep you posted on Lucic.

Backstrom Baffles Bruins 1-0

The Bruins had just won 14 straight games at the Garden prior to Saturday afternoon. So tonight was supposed to be the bounce back, especially with Manny Fernandez in goal, who was unblemished at home. Key word, was.

The Bruins fell to the Minnesota Wild 1-0 Tuesday night and with the loss the Bruins have now lost two in a row after a 10 game win streak.

The Bruins came out early in this game looking to get on the board before there opponent. However, as would be a theme Niklas Backstrom was up to the challenge and turned away the Bruins chances.

The best chance of the period came with one minute remaining when Michael Ryder took a quick shot from the hash marks, forcing Backstrom to make a nice right pad save.

A few minutes into the second period Shane Hnidy took a shot off the face and had to go to the room. At that point you thought the B's were in big trouble losing another defensemen. However, Hnidy shook off the pain and came back to help out the wounded Boston blue liners.

A few minutes later the Wild found themselves on the power play and were able to take advantage of it. With Andrew Brunette camped in front of Manny Fernandez, Marek Zidlicky was able to find some daylight and pot what would be the games only goal.

Just before the end of the second period the Bruins had a chance to knot the score but Michael Ryder's shot hit the post. The third period was a back and forth period with the Bruins trying desperately to tie the score. The Bruins had a few good chances in the final minutes but were not able to beat Backstrom.

With the loss, the Bruins second straight and a Washington victory the Bruins now sit just five points ahead of the Capitals for Conference supremacy.

The Bruins will next face off with the Senators on Thursday night looking to break their miniature skid.

News and Notes 1/5: Ward, and Ference Close to Return

Aaron Ward--Still listed as day-to-day. He will skate in tomorrow's morning skate and could be available tomorrow vs. the Wild. Claude Julien said that Ward was doing better and his range of motion is "pretty good.''

Marco Sturm--Expected to have surgery soon, perhaps this week. There will be no time table on Sturm even though it is likely that knee surgery would keep him out for the remainder of the season.

Andrew Ference--Ference was on the ice as one of seven Bruins defensemen (Lashoff in, Ward out). The Bruins may be targeting a Saturday return for Ference against the Hurricanes. I would expect Ferrence back by no later than next Tuesday against the Habs. Ference did leave the workout early today, however, Julien said it was a ''precautionary measure", but nothing more.

Patrice Bergeron--Nothing on Bergeron yet, and there probably won't be anytime soon.Claude Julien had this to say on Bergeron, "He's feeling better and every day I talk to him it seems to be going to the positive side," added Julien. "I'm just a little cautious, because sometimes there are setbacks and we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves."

REPORT: Marco Sturm out for the year, surgery required

I have been hearing reports out there that Marco Sturm is going to have surgery on his knee. All indications are that he will miss 4-6 months with this injury and may very well be done for the year.

This quote came from the Boston Herald..

“He’s going to have surgery,” Chiarelli said. “It’s just a question of when. It’s a matter of letting it settle down and getting some strength back in before they do it. We’ll let you know more (next week).” . . .

AARON WARD--

As far as Aaron Ward goes he is day-to-day and is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Wild with what is being called a 'Charley horse'.

PATRICE BERGERON--

Patrice Bergeron is going to be out for a while. The Bruins have essentially tipped their hand that you at the minimum won't be seeing him until after the All-Star Break. The Bruins might even be keeping Bergeron on the shelf through February. The Bruins however, are confident Bergeron can return this season.

Boston's streak ends at 10

The Bruins came in to today's matinee with the Sabres looking for win number 15 in a row at the Garden. At the end of the day, the steak ended at 14.

Just over three minutes into the game the Sabres did what a lot of teams have done to the Bruins this year, get ahead early (Fifth straight game other team has scored first). Matt Ellis was the goal scorer, knocking a loose puck by Tim Thomas.

With Matt Hunwick in the box for tripping, Thomas Vanek tipped a shot past Thomas. The power play goal gave the Sabres a 2-0 lead.

About half way through the period Marc Savard was at it again finding Phil Kessel who fired through a Lucic screen to cut the Buffalo lead in half.
The period played out with a lot of hits by both sides and the horn sounded with the Sabres leading by one.

Just like the first period, it was Ellis three minutes in who picked up a loose puck in front and dragged the puck around a grounded Thomas and netted his second goal of the afternoon.

Just before the mid-way point of the second period the Bruins tough guy, Shawn Thornton took a pass from Martin St. Pierre and connected thanks to a great shot just under the crossbar. Miller had no chance to corral the shot by Thornton, and the Bruins again were within one.

Just a few minutes later Buffalo padded the lead to two once again as a shot headed toward the net and went off Shane Hnidy's leg and past Thomas.

The 4-2 Sabres lead ended up being the final in this one. The third period was a good one for the Bruins. They had their chances but couldn't put any rubber behind Ryan Miller and the streak was over.

GAME NOTE:The major point of the third period was that Aaron Ward wasn't on the ice for the entirety of the period. There was no indication on what the injury was but we'll keep you posed.

Bruins Ring in New Year With 14th Straight Win at Garden

The Boston Bruins are hot people. Let's make that 14 in a row at the Garden and 10 in a row over all. The Bruins took care of the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 tonight at the Garden, moving the Bruins to 62 points, the highest mark in the NHL.

For a team as dominant as the Bruins they sure do fall behind early a lot. It was no different in this one as the Penguins got on the board first thanks to a Dustin Jefferey goal.

The Bruins however, were resilient and knotted the score at one just over a minute later. David Krejci was the beneficiary of a nice pace from Blake Wheeler and tapped in his 14th of the season. Krejci now has a 10 game point streak.

Just before the half way point of the period the Bruins took the lead for good as PJ Axelsson knocked in his first of the season. Marc Savard threw the puck in front of the goal and Ax was able to knock the puck out of the air and into the Pittsburgh goal.

Even with Pittsburgh controlling the shot lead, Boston was controlling puck possession and with that possession took a 3-1 lead. Milan Lucic picked up the puck in the slot and fired a wrister past Dany Sabourin, give the assists to Stephane Yelle and Chuck Kobasew.

The Bruins took a 3-1 lead into the third period, but the Penguins refused to quit. With 13:40 remaining in the period, Ruslan Fedotenko controlled a juicy rebound off his own shot and beat Manny Fernandez under the pads and cut the Boston lead to one.

Just over a minute later Vladimir Sobotka reminded the Penguins that this is the Bruins house, and no visitors would go unpunished. Sobotka laid out Jordan Staal at the Boston blue line and the Garden erupted.

With just over five minutes remaining Marc Savard was sent to the box on a holding call and the Bruins needed to dig deep for a late kill in a one goal game. The Bruins and Manny Fernandez stood tall and Boston kept the lead into the final minutes.

With the Penguins attacking in the final seconds, with their goal empty and the extra attacker on the ice, Savard was able to get the puck along the left wing and fire a shot from the neutral zone into the empty Pittsburgh goal.

The 4-2 final over the Pens gave the Bruins a double digit win steak and the sell out crowd of 17,565 couldn't have been happier. The Bruins are in the midst of a six game home stand and will next face-off against the Buffalo Sabres Saturday afternoon.