Michael Ryder and David Krejci scored third-period goals to help the
Boston Bruins maintain eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 5-2
victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night.
Boston was 1-3-1 in its previous five games, losing ground in positioning for the playoffs. However,
the Bruins had a strong ending to a long stint away from Boston, earning
seven points in seven road games.
Tuukka Rask made 30 saves for Boston,
which improved to 17-3-4 when leading after one period. Patrice Bergeron
scored less than a minute into the game, and Johnny Boychuk gave Boston
a 2-0 lead midway through the second period.
The Hurricanes cut the lead to 3-2 on
Erik Cole's second goal of the game early in the third period and had
several solid chances moments later that were turned aside by Rask.
Ryder then took a giveaway from Brian Pothier and scored the clincher
with 10:12 remaining. Manny Legace finished with 32 saves for Carolina.
Bergeron's goal 37 seconds in
started a flurry for Boston that could have produced a bigger
first-period lead. The Bruins outshot the Hurricanes 18-7 in the first
period but could not build on the lead despite 1:41 of a 5-on-3 power
play. Boston's power play ranked 25th of 30 teams coming into the game.
The Hurricanes fell to 2-17-6 when
trailing after one period.
Notes
Bergeron left the ice late in
the game with an injury after taking a puck off his leg. … Marc Savard
missed his fifth consecutive game for Boston with a concussion. …
Paul Maurice coached his 800th game for the Hurricanes franchise. …
Carolina defenseman Joni Pitkanen played his 400th NHL game. …
Carolina's Jamie McBain assisted on Cole's first goal, giving McBain a
point in his first NHL game. … Cole's goal was his first since Dec. 5.