Michael Ryder Nets This Week’s Arbella Player of the Week

A couple of months ago, the Bruins needed someone to step up offensively. Since then, there have been plenty of candidates — and the Bruins' spot near the top of the Northeast Division standings proves it — but this week, Michael Ryder has been the one to shoulder most of the offensive load.

It was a tough week for Boston. They lost on the road in overtime against the New York Islanders on Saturday, then flopped at home against the lowly Flyers in a preview of this year's Winter Classic.

But through it all, Ryder provided the elusive offensive spark the Bruins needed.

The 29-year-old right-winger stretched his points streak to three games after registering a goal and an assist in the 5-2 loss to the Islanders, but the streak was snapped at the hands of Philadelphia. Against the Flyers, Ryder recorded three shots on goal but couldn't make anything happen in just over 17 minutes of ice time.

Hopefully — with Friday's matchup at Chicago and Saturday's KesselMania III looming — Ryder will be able to kick off a brand new points streak.