Tim Thomas Posts Another Shutout, Bruins Get Some Timely Scoring to End Skid by Beating Devils 3-0

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Nov 15, 2010

Tim Thomas Posts Another Shutout, Bruins Get Some Timely Scoring to End Skid by Beating Devils 3-0 Final, Bruins 3-0: And the Bruins put together a solid end-to-end effort to halt their losing streak and finally win again at home, with yet another shutout for Tim Thomas.

The Bruins set the tone early Michael Ryder's power-play goal in the first, and improved to 7-0-0 when tallying the first goal of the game.

Third Period, 16:08, Bruins 3-0: Thomas comes up with another gem, stoning Clarkson as he broke in alone.

Just before that, Campbell was out with Thornton and Paille rather than Seguin as the line shuffling continues.

Third Period, 14:58, Bruins 3-0: The Bruins can't cash in on that power play. Other than the strike on the two-man advantage, the power play has been one of the few things not clicking for the Bruins in this one. They're now 1 for 7 on the night.

Third Period, 12:58, Bruins 3-0: The Bruins are back on the power play as Jason Arnott is back in the box, this time for hooking.

Third Period, 9:08, Bruins 3-0: Thomas definiely looks to be back in that zone he was in to start the year. He just robbed old friend Brian Rolston on a one-timer from the high slot.

Third Period, 7:30, Bruins 3-0: Matt Hunwick sneaks in from the left point for a good scoring bid, but Brodeur makes the stop on this one.

Third Period, 5:50, Bruins 3-0: This is the first time the Bruins have scored three goals at home since beating Washington 4-1 in the home opener back on Oct. 21.

Third Period, 3:34, Bruins 3-0: The Bruins survive that power-play chance and maintain their three-goal lead.

Third Period, 1:34, Bruins 3-0: The Bruins are down a man again, as Ryder goes off for tripping.

Third Period, 0:43, Bruins 3-0: The Bruins seem to like the 43-second mark, as Blake Wheeler scores 43 second into the third after Horton scored 43 seconds into the second.

Wheeler broke in on a 2-on-1 with Recchi and took the shot from the left side, beating Brodeur. Ryder and Caron pick up the assists.

Third Period, 0:00, Bruins 2-0: And the final frame is under way, with the Bruins looking to close out an impressive performance on a strong note.

The B's have owned the third period most of this season, outscoring opponents 16-8.

Second Intermission Notes: The Bruins are 20 minutes away from finally posting another win at the Garden after losing three straight on home ice.

The Bruins managed just two goals in those three games, but have two in two periods in this one.

Other than the score, the stat sheet is pretty even. The Bruins and Devils each had seven shots in the second, with Bston leading 17-14 overall. The B's also have a 17-14 edge in hits, while both sides have eight blocked shots.

Tim Thomas hasn't been tested often, but he's come up with some big saves when needed, especially late in the second when New Jersey tested him with a few good chances.

End Second Period, Bruins 2-0: Another solid period in the books for the Bruins, who extended their lead by a goal and head into the final frame up by two as they try to end their two-game losing streak.

Second Period,17:41, Bruins 2-0: The Bruins can't get anything going on that power play. Lots of time in Devils' zone, but nothing in the way of shots on goal.

Second Period,15:41, Bruins 2-0: Another power play chance for the Bruins, as Jason Arnott is sent off for boarding Seidenberg in the corner to Thomas' right.

Second Period,14:35, Bruins 2-0: And Ryder is now back on the ice with Campbell and Marchand.

Second Period,13:33, Bruins 2-0: Thornton is back skating with Seguin and Paille, while Ryder has returned to the bench.

Second Period,11:03, Bruins 2-0: That long delay really seemed to zap the energy out of the building and both teams. Hopefully the Bruins can ramp it up again quickly.

Second Period, 9:58, Bruins 2-0: There's a delay as some work is being down to fix the glass in teh Bruins' zone.

Thornton having a long chat with David Clarkson during the break. They were involved in a scrum after the last whistle and could get something going when play resumes. Thornton, by the way, is out with Campbell and Marchand as it appears the old lines are back together, likely because of Ryder's absence.

Second Period, 8:59, Bruins 2-0: The Bruins fail to convert on the four-minute power play with what could have really broken this game open.

Chara just missed on a chance at the right post as he pinched in late in the pwoer play.

Second Period, 7:54, Bruins 2-0: Devils' defenseman Henrik Tallinder is hurt in the corner as he slipped as Lucic bore down on him. He was already falling when contact was made, and Lucic's knee appeared to hit Tallinder in the ribs.

No penalty on the play as the Bruins continue on their power play.

Second Period, 6:52, Bruins 2-0: Caron is getting some power-play time in Ryder's spot on the second unit, and nearly scored on a chance in front.

Second Period, 4:59, Bruins 2-0: The Bruins are going on a four-minute power play with Tedenby off for a high-sticking double minor, but it may have come at a cost to the Bruins.

Ryder was clipped up high and hurt. He went to the locker room for repairs after taking a stick as he set up Seguin for a one-timer, though Seguin fanned on the attempt.

Second Period, 3:06, Bruins 2-0: The Bruins successfully kill that penalty off and now look to get back on the attack.

Second Period, 1:06, Bruins 2-0: The Bruins will have a key penalty to kill here as Chara is sent off for tripping.

Mark Stuart got the PK off to a good start with a huge hit, rocking Tedenby along the boards.

Second Period, 0:43, Bruins 2-0: The Bruins strike early in the second as Nathan Horton scores from the right wing with a low shot inside the far post.

Milan Lucic set up the goal witha  cross-ice pass and Zdeno Chara got the second assist, but the play started with a key defensive zone face-off win by Bergeron.

Second Period, 0:00, Bruins 1-0: Action is back under way in the second period as the Bruins look to build off their strong opening frame.

First Intermission Notes: The Bruins came out with a much better start in this one than they have had in recent outings, and they were rewarded witha  1-0 lead after 20 minutes.

Ryder's goal ended a scoreless streak of 119 minutes, 37 seconds, ending a drought that went back to Chara's goal at 15:49 of the first period against Montreal on Thursday.

It's been a balanced effort for the Bruins so far. They lead 10-7 in shots, with eight different players recording at least one. They also lead 9-6 in hits, with nine players each credited with one. The Devils have just two players with hits, though defenseman Anton Volchenkov does have four. Boston also has four players with blocked shots.

Daniel Paille hasn't done much since getting back in the lineup last week, but he did use his speed well to drive to the net and draw a penalty early. Paille has the only shot for the new combination of Thornton, Seguin and Paille, while the Ryder-Campbell-Marchand unit hasn't done too uch at even strength, though Ryder did score the game's lone goal on the power play.

End First Period, Bruins 1-0: The Bruins successfully killed off the late penalty to Horton and head into the locker room with a rare lead after one period of play.

Boston also holds a 10-7 edge in shots and have looked a lot sharper so far in this one than they did in their last two games at the Garden when they managed just one goal in back-to-back losses to Montreal and Ottawa.

First Period, 15:26, Bruins 1-0: The Devils will get their first chance on the power play as Nathan Horton is sent off for tripping.

First Period, 15:26, Bruins 1-0: The Bruins finally strike first in a game, as Ryder converts on the two-man advantage.

Ryder fired in a shot from the left side down by the goal line that eluded Brodeur. Bergeron and Recchi pick up the assists.

First Period, 14:52, 0-0: The Bruins will have a two-man advantage for 56 seconds as Adam Mair goes off for goalie interference after crashing into Thomas.

Thomas was struggling to control the puck after Seidenberg played it to him and Mair came charging in.

First Period, 13:47, 0-0: The Bruins will get another shot on the power play, as Devils defenseman Matt Corrente goes off for hooking.

First Period, 11:56, 0-0: Thomas faces his first shot in a long stretch, and it's a quality chance with Kovalchuk bearing down at the right post, but the Bruins netminder makes the stop.

B's hold an 8-5 edge in shots to this point, with the first four Devils' shots all in the opening minutes.

First Period, 10:20, 0-0: A nice moment here at the Garden during that TV timeout, as the current service men and women and veterans on hand for Military Appreciation Night are recognized with a long and loud ovation from the Garden faithful.

First Period, 9:33, 0-0: Adam McQuaid gets a rousing ovation from his teammates as he returns to the bench after serving his fighting major.

Pelley also congratulated by his Devils teammates. Bruins equipment manager checking out McQuaid's jersey and shoulder pads for any damage on the bench.

First Period, 7:30, 0-0: Mark Recchi really lookingfor an assist, as he nearly sends Wheeler in alone down the middle, then tries to set up Caron in the slot later in the same shift.

First Period, 5:05, 0-0: The Bruins created some pressure, but couldn't convert on the power play. Boston now holding a 6-4 edge in shots after the Devils were all over Thomas before the penalty.

First Period, 3:05, 0-0: Lots of action going on early here, as Paille draws a penalty drivng hard to the net, forcing Anton Volchenkov to hook him down.

As that penalty was being called, McQuaid and Rod Pelley squared off for a long fight at center ice. McQuaid landed some quick shots before slipping, but managed to convince the linesmen to stay out as he got back up. They both then traded a ton of punches in a lengthy exchange. McQuaid definitely landed the better of he blows, but may have to check his hand as he hit a lot of helmet.

First Period, 1:00, 0-0: Scary start for the Bruins, as Thomas gets caught out of the net a bit, but still manages to keep the puck out despite Tedenby's best efforts.

First Period, 0:00, 0-0: The Bruins will open with the Wheeler line for this one, with Stuart and Seidenberg on defense.

The Devils counter with Mattias Tedenby, Jason Arnott and Patrik Elias up front and Colin White and Henrik Tallinder on defense as we are under way at the Garden.

6:45 p.m.: The Bruins skated in warm-ups with the same new lines unvieled in practice on Sunday.

Shawn Thornton is now with Tyler Seguin and Daniel Paille, while Michael Ryder is skating with Greg Campbell and Brad Marchand. The Milan Lucic-Patrice Bergeron-Nathan Horton and Jordan Caron-Blake Wheeler-Mark Recchi units remain unchanged.

The defense is also the same, with Zdeno Chara paired with Andrew Ference, Matt Hunwick with Dennis Seidenberg and Mark Stuart with Adam McQuaid.

Johnny Boychuk skated in warm-ups for the first time since his foreamr injury, but he has still not been cleared to play. Boychuk and David Krejci (concussion) will be out for the Bruins, who don't have any healthy scratches. The Devils are in a similar situations, with Jamie Langenbrunner (neck) and Matt Taormina (ankle) out for them in this one and no other healthy bodies to scratch.

6:30 p.m.: The teams have taken the ice for warm-ups, with Tim Thomas and Martin Brodeur leading them out.

As expected, we'll see a matchup of veterans in goal for this one.

6 p.m.: Just about an hour to go before the Bruins take on the Devils here at the Garden.

Home-ice hasn't been much of an advantage for the Bruins so far this season, but they hope to change that against a New Jersey team that has struggled no matter where it has played so far this year.

4:30 p.m.: The Bruins will be holding Military Appreciation Night at the Garden on Monday, hosting local members of the armed forces, veterans and their families for the game against the Devils.

Defenseman Mark Stuart and forward Blake Wheeler, both Minnesota natives, each purchased $5,000 worth of tickets, while another $84,000 for tickets was raised through the Bruins' "Seats for Soldiers" program.

The recipients of those tickets, as well as the rest of up to 17,565 on hand at the Garden, would appreciate seeing the Bruins finally win again at home. Tim Thomas was the first off the ice at the morning skate and is expected to get the start for Boston, which will likely go with the line changes made at Sunday's practice. That means Shawn Thornton riding shotgun for Tyler Seguin and Daniel Paille, while Michael Ryder joins Greg Campbell and Brad Marchand.

For a full breakdown on the matchup, check out our Facing Off feature.

8 a.m.: The Bruins will look to turn things around after back-to-back home losses to Montreal and Ottawa when they welcome the New Jersey Devils to the Garden on Monday.

The Bruins managed just one goal in those two games and have only one win in their last five games. But the Devils have had plenty of problems themselves this year.

Their summer-long quest to retain Ilya Kovalchuk ended with the league finally accepting a reworked deal worth $100 million over 15 years, but Kovalchuk has yet to live up to the lofty expectations created by that deal. He has just 4-5-9 totals and is a minus-8, and was even a healthy scratch for one game.

That deal also caused salary cap headaches that the Devils are still dealing with, and a string of injuries even forced them to play with 15 and 16 skaters for several games. New Jersey has righted things somewhat of late with a 2-1-1 record over its last four games, but still could be a perfect opponent for the Bruins to get back on track against.

The puck drops at 7 p.m., so check back here throughout the day for updates on all the action.

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