Late goal helps Bruins stun Tampa

Reuters/Boston

Todd Bertuzzi (44) of the Detroit Red Wings has the puck knocked away by goalie Antti Niemi (31) of the San Jose Sharks in the third period of their NHL game at HP Pavilion in San Jose on Thursday

The Boston Bruins scored late to secure a win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday that extended their winning streak to seven games and awarded them sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference.
Milan Lucic scored the winner with under four minutes to play when he grabbed a loose puck at the side of the Lightning net and sent a shot from a bad angle through a crowded crease.
"I was just trying to look for the loose puck because there was enough guys in front of the net,” said Lucic. "I knew there was no real reason for me to get in there but just kind of wait around, see if something popped out and it did.” The Lightning, who entered the game tied with Boston in the standings, failed to convert on any of their four power play opportunities, including a lengthy five-on-three advantage midway through the second period.
"I think that was the turning point right there,” Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "Our guys did an outstanding job on that five-on-three, where we didn’t give them much. We were patient. We didn’t start running around.”
Eric Brewer opened the scoring for the Lightning early in the second period but Steven Kampfer countered for Boston just over two minutes later.
Tim Thomas made 27 saves for Boston, while Tampa Bay’s Mike Smith turned aside 26 shots.