More photos » by John Amis - AP

about 20 hours ago: Boston Bruins right wing Michael Ryder, center, celebrates his goal with left wing Marco Sturm (16) as Atlanta Thrashers center Marty Reasoner (19) skates away during the second period of their NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

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The Bruins gave up another lead in the final minute of regulation, but managed to escape with a 4-3 shootout win over the Atlanta Thrashers on the road Thursday night.

The Bruins got off to a quick 1-0 start, when Marco Sturm went to the net and Mark Recchi put the puck on his tape and Sturm's quick one-timer from the slot beat Ondrej Pavelec.

Michael Ryder made it 2-0 with 1:49 left in the first period after he deflected in a shot from Blake Wheeler.

Atlanta cut the Bruins lead to 2-1 when Nik Antropov tipped Tobias Enstrom's shot past Tuukka Rask at 9:20 of the second period.

With Mark Recchi in the box for a high-stick, Ilya Kovalchuk fired a slapper from the high slot to tie the game up at 2-2 with 5:37 left in middle period.

Michael Ryder's scored his second goal of the game to re-gain the lead for the B's on the power play with 3:15 remaining in the second period. No, that isn't a typo. The Bruins actually scored a power play goal. David Krejci collected the puck behind the net and fed a pass to Ryder, whose quick tough angle shot from the left circle found the twine.

The Thrashers knotted it up with 41.1 seconds in regulation off of a wrister from the right circle via a feed from Ilya Kovalchuk.

After a scoreless overtime session, the Bruins headed to yet another shootout:

Atlanta's 1st Shooter: Rich Peverley fired a forehand shot wide on the gloveside.

Boston's 1st Shooter: Patrice Bergeron skated in right to left and made a hard stop and cut back to his right and tucked the puck past Pavelec. 1-0 Bruins

Atlanta's 2nd Shooter: Slava Kozlov was denied on the backhand by Rask with the left pad.

Boston's 2nd Shooter: Blake Wheeler appeared to have Pavelec beat, but lost control of the puck

Atlanta's 3rd Shooter: Ilya Kovalchuk's shot is stopped by Rask. Bruins Win

Notes:

- Tuukka Rask turned aside 32 shots.

- Lesson of the night: Good things happen when you got to the net. Sturm's goal and Ryder's first goal were both a result of getting to the front of the net.

- This team is bound and determined to give all their fans a heart attack at some point during this season.

- Milan Lucic made is return to the lineup. He wasn't too much of a factor, but it was nice to see him back out there. He logged 14:01 of ice time (all even strength) and had 2 shots and a hit.

- Michael Ryder had a 2 goal night. Ryder has historically been a slow-starter and this seems like about the same time that he caught fire last year.

- The Bruins are back in action tomorrow night in Buffalo. I completely forgot about tomorrow's game, so Timmy is bailing me out with a preview.

More photos » by Frank Franklin II - AP

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The Bruins and Thrashers are scheduled to face-off tonight at the Philips Arena in Atlanta at 7:00. This game looks like two teams heading in different directions. The Bruins enter tonight's game trying to snap a 3-game skid (0-1-2), while the surprising Thrashers are riding a 4-game win string (3-0-1).

Know Your Enemy

Atlanta Thrashers (10-6-1)

Head Coach: John Anderson

Leading Goal Scorers:

Goaltending:

Injury Report

Boston
Milan Lucic is a game-time decision tonight. Marc Savard is questionable for tonight but should return soon.

Atlanta
Pavel Kubina and Bryan Little are both game-time decisions. Goalie Kari Lehtonen has been on the shelf all season while recovering from back surgery. Boris Valabik is recovering from an ankle injury and is doing a conditioning stint in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves.

Notes:

- Rumors are swirling about Marc Savard getting ready to sign a 7-year contract extension with the Bruins worth a reported $39 million.

- Atlanta's Zach Bogosian is leading NHL defensemen with 8 goals.

- Highly-touted rookie Evander Kane has 11 points (6-5-11) in his first 17 NHL games.

- Valabik's conditioning stint in the AHL means that we won't get to see a re-match of the towering Slovaks.

Of course Chara won't have to stick up for a poor, defenseless, stick-swinging, undersized forward this time. Watch the beginning of that video and focus on #81 (I am no longer referring to him by name). Valabik is roughing him up a bit (AKA doing his job), Kessel slashes him, and immediately skates away as Z comes in to bail him out.

- Game starts at 7:00. Public Skate (open thread) starts right here a half hour before puck drop.

- For more on the Thrashers, check out Bird Watchers Anonymous...and their creepy Jason the Peeping Tom logo.

Today's Obligatory Embarrassing Thrashers Fan YouTube Video

Editor's Note:This is the first of what will hopefully be a reoccurring feature. The concept is simple: I take a look at a trade that the Bruins have made in the past and then I open it up to the readers to decide if they would make that trade again based on what they know now. Today's trade is Brad Boyes for Dennis Wideman.

February 27, 2007: The Boston Bruins trade Brad Boyes to the St. Louis Blues for Dennis Wideman at the deadline.

This is a tricky one because both teams got what they were looking for in the deal. The Blues got a legitimate young goal scorer and the Bruins improved on the blue line.

Boyes, was clearly disappointed about moving to the STD capitol of the U.S. One can only assume that the threat of contracting the clap from one of St. Louie's finest puck bunnies, forced the young sniper to focus on hockey. (Ed. Note: I have no idea how Brad lives his life and I can only assume what a young NHL player's daily life consist of, but I'm sure it is more exciting than being an NHL blogger.) Since being shipped out to St. Louis, Boyes has had back to back 30+ goal seasons (43 in '07-'08 and 33 last year). Boyes is off to a bit of a slow start this season, posting 4-7-11 totals in 18 games. Some critics will point to Boyes' defensive shortcomings (although, I would argue that he his much better defensively than that #81 kid that the B's used to have) and his not-so-impressive +/- (-29 for his career).

Dennis Wideman had a breakthrough year last year, recording 50 points (13-37-50) and a +/- of +32. He established himself as a solid NHL defenseman and justified his big pay check. Wideman was a major factor in the Bruins' (regular season) success last year. This season, Wideman has struggled at times and has made some poor decisions that have led directly to crucial goals against the Bruins. While Wideman has not looked as sharp as he was last year in his own zone, he has also struggled offensively. After averaging 0.63 points per game last season, Wideman has only 4 points (1-3-4) in 17 games this season to go along with a -2 rating.

So, you have two players with very different games. Both guys have had success in the past. Both players are struggling a bit at the moment, but both will likely play better hockey as the season progresses. The question is: Knowing what you know now, would you trade Brad Boyes for Dennis Wideman?

This is a real tough question for me because I realize what Dennis Wideman is capable of, but I also realize how talented Brad Boyes is. At the time of the trade, I absolutely hated it. I thought they gave up on Boyes way too early. Now, I have come around a bit, but I think if I had to do it over again I would keep Boyes. I would love to see what Boyes could do with the current Bruins team around him. Let's be honest, this team could use another goal scorer.

What do you guys think?

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

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There were a couple of welcome faces at the rink today as the Bruins practiced at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington.

Milan Lucic, who has been nursing a broken finger, participated in his first full practice since suffering the injury back on October 16th in a game against the Dallas Stars. Lucic had been skating with the team since last week, but this was the first day he was cleared for contact. Lucic is considered a game-time decision for Thursday night's game in Atlanta.

Marc Savard, who is recovering from a broken foot was on the ice before practice skating with strength and conditioning coach John Whitesides. Savard's recovery is ahead of schedule and he is expected to practice with the team tomorrow. There is no time line set for his return to game action.

Shawn Thornton was the only absence today in Wilmington, who was likely given a maintenance day

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

3 days ago: Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask, right, of Finland, makes a save as New York Islanders center Josh Bailey hits the ice during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Boston, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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     What began as a pretty solid night for the Bruins certainly did not end that way, as the Bruins suffered a crushing loss to the Islanders 4-1 at the TD Garden.  The Bruins and Islanders both played a pretty solid 1st period with both teams getting some solid goal scoring chances.  The Islanders took the lead 6 minutes into the period.  After a crucial offensive zone turn over by the Bruins Matt Moulson cashed in on a feed by Jack Hillen for the 1-0 lead.  The Bruins had a great chance to make their mark on the game early with a 5-3 power play, however as the case has been lately they were only able to manage 5 shots on net during their 2 man advantage.  After the 1st period the Islanders led 1-0.

     The 2nd period started out strong for the Bruins, as they buzzed and created many solid scoring chances.  After Blake Wheeler, Patrice Bergeron, and David Krejci were all turned aside by "The Pride of UMass Lowell" Dwayne Roloson, Daniel Paille was finally able to cash in.  With David Krejci working the puck strongly against John Tavares, Paille snuck to the net and tucked in a backhand off a the dish by Krejci.  Unfortunately for the Bruins the lead didn't last long.  With the 2nd period winding down, Tuukka Rask handled the puck behind the net, he tried to pass it up the boards to Zdeno Chara, however the puck bounced right to RIchard Park, he fed Matt Moulson in front for his 2nd goal of the night and a 2-1 Islander lead.

     The 3rd period went much as the 2nd did.  Only 2 minutes into the 3rd the Islanders and John Tavares struck again.  John Tavares fired the puck on net, as it went towards it deflected off Matt Hunwick to put the Islanders up 3-1.  With just under a minute left in the game Trent Hunter would put the exclamation point on the win for the Islanders and make it 4-1. 

My 3 Stars of the Night

1)Dwayne Roloson - he was very solid and made big stops when he needed to.

2) Richard Park - he had 3 helpers tonight and was around the puck seemingly all night.

3) David Krejci - looked fantastic tonight, the lone bright spot for the Bruins, was flying all over the ice.

by Michael Dwyer - AP

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The Bruins will host the New York Islanders at TD Garden tonight. The Bruins have earned points in each of their last five games, but have lost their last two. The Islanders are also no stranger to the OT/SO loss, having lost a league-leading 7 times in overtime or the shootout.

Know Your Enemy

New York Islanders (7-6-7)

Head Coach: Scott Gordon

Leading Goal Scorers:

Goaltending:

Injury Report

Notes:

- John Tavares leads all rookies in both goals (8) and points (18).

- This is the second of four meetings between the Bruins and Islanders. The B's won 4-3 in a shootout on October 10th after staging an epic third period comeback.

- Tonight just feels like Tuukka Time...we'll see

- For more on tonight's game for a Islanders fan perspective, check out Lighthouse Hockey

- Game starts at 7:00. Open thread starts at 6:30.

Today's Obligatory Embarrassing Islanders Fan YouTube Video

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

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Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe reported in his weekly Hockey Notes column this morning that Marc Savard will likely sign a contract extension with the Bruins within the next few weeks.

"...32-year-old center Marc Savard later this month - most likely around Thanksgiving - is expected to extend his contract with the Bruins. At the end of a four-year deal that brought him $5 million a season, Savard is likely to average in the $6 million-$6.5 million range for another four or five seasons..."

- Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe 11/15/09

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

5 days ago: Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, left, celebrates his second-period goal with teammates Ruslan Fedotenko, center, of the Ukraine, and Evgeni Malkin (71), of Russia, during an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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The Bruins looked to be in great shape with the puck in the offensive zone with just seconds left in regulation and a one goal lead, but an untimely stick break gave the Penguins one final rush up ice and Bill Guerin found the back of the net with just 0.4 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime, where another miscue by the Bruins would give the Penguins the win.

The Bruins looked very sluggish coming out of the gate and the Penguins took advantage by striking first just 1:42 into the game, when Jay KcKee roofed a backhander over Tim Thomas. Evgeni Malkin, who returned from a shoulder injury tonight, picked up his 200th career NHL assist on McKee's goal.

Byron Bitz tired to swing the momentum by dropping the gloves with rookie Deryk Engelland at 6:42 of the first period. The bout was more of a wrestling match than a slugfest with this judge scoring it a draw. The fight may not have been Pacquiao-Cotto, but if may have have given the B's some life. The Bruins evened the game up at 1-1 less than 2 minutes later when David Krejci "set up in Gretzky's office" and found Blake Wheeler in front for Wheeler 5th goal of the season.

Pascal Dupuis hammered home a rebound with 3:36 remaining in the opening period. Mark Stuart tried to clear out Matt Cooke from in front of Tim Thomas and inadvertently pushed him into his own goaltender on the play.

Michael Ryder got the equalizer for the Bruins at 3:33 of the second period, when his hard snap shot from the right circle beat Brent Johnson up high on the glove side.

Sidney Crosby made it 3-2 Pens at 9:19 of the middle period when he deflected Alex Goligoski's blast from the blue line blast Thomas for his 10th goal of the season.

Derek Morris evened it up with 4:58 remaining in the second period when his wrister from the point deflected off of a Pittsburgh defender and into the back of the net.

Pittsburgh regained the lead with 11:00 left in the third period when Mark Eaton pumped in a one-timer off a feed from Sidney Crosby.

The pattern of alternating goals continued as David Krejci cleaned up a rebound in the slot off a shot from Zdeno Chara on 5 on 3 power play to tie the game up at 4 with 5:47 to play in the third period.

Chara's slapper from the point with 2:29 left in the third gave the B's a 5-4 lead.

The Bruins appeared to have the game wrapped up, but an untimely broken stick by Patrice Bergeron gave the Penguins one more rush up the ice and Bill Guerin fired the puck past Tim Thomas with 0.4 seconds remaining to force overtime.

The Penguins took advantage of a miscue by the Bruins in overtime when Tim Thomas misplayed the puck behind the net and Dennis Wideman failed to retrieve the puck giving Pascal Dupuis an open net for the game winner 1:24 in overtime.

More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

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The Bruins are in Pittsburgh to face the Penguins tonight at Mellon Arena. This is the second time that these two teams have met this week with the B's shutting out the Pens 3-0 on Tuesday night.

The Bruins have not allowed a goal in their last 2 games and will try for their third consecutive shutout tonight. While the Bruins have played well defensively, they have struggled to score goals as of late. Despite outshooting the Florida Panthers 40-23 on Thursday night and controlling the play for most of the game, the Bruins could not manage to get on the scoreboard and ultimately fell 1-0 in the shootout.

Meanwhile, the Penguins have hit a rough patch and are looking to snap a 4-game losing streak. The Pens could get some help tonight though as Evgeni Malkin (shoulder) is listed as a game-time decision and could return to the lineup tonight.

Know Your Enemy

Pittsburgh Penguins (12-7-0)

Head Coach: "Disco Dan" Bylsma

Leading Scorer:

Goaltending:

Injury Report

Notes:

- Tim Thomas has allowed 4 goals in his last 5 games.

- The Bruins have scored 1 goal or less in 8 of their 18 games this season.

- For more on tonight's game from a Pens fan's perspective, check out PensBurgh

- Game starts at 7:30 and can be seen on NESN. Public Skate (open thread) starts at 7:00.

Today's Obligatory Embarrassing Pens Fan YouTube Video

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

Florida Panthers left wing Corey Stillman pokes the puck past Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas during the shootout for the only goal of the game. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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Through 65 minutes of hockey, neither team could find the back of the net. Despite outshooting the Panthers 40-23 through regulation and overtime, the Bruins fell to Florida in the shootout. Tim Thomas didn't see a lot of rubber tonight, but when he did, he made some big stops. Unfortunately, the B's couldn't seem to crack Tomas Vokoun (40 saves), who kept the Panthers in the game all night long.

Shootout

Bruins 1st Shooter: Blake Wheeler couldn't the tuck past Vokoun on the post.

Panthers 1st Shooter: Steven Reinprecht's backhander hits post, hits the back of Thomas' leg, comes to rest on the goal line and somehow stays out.

Bruins 2nd Shooter: Patrice Bergeron is denied by Vokoun's kick save.

Panthers 2nd Shooter: Rostislav Olesz fires a shot wide.

Bruins 3rd Shooter: Zdeno Chara is denied on the backhand by Vokoun.

Panthers 3rd Shooter: Stephen Weiss misses wide on the glove side.

Bruins 4th Shooter: Michael Ryder's backhander is gloved down by Vokoun.

Panthers 4th Shooter: Cory Stillman tucks it past Thomas on the backhand for the game-winner. Panthers win 1-0

Notes:

- The Bruins held the Panthers to just 1 shot in the second period.

- Shawn Thornton knuckled up with Bryan Allen

- The Bruins carried the play for the majority of the game, but couldn't seem to find the back of the net.

- The Bruins need to get their act together on line changes. The Bruins had yet another Too Many Men on the Ice penalty tonight. That is absolutely unacceptable at the NHL level. It is a completely avoidable penalty.

- One bright spot for the B's tonight was the PK, especially killing off that 5-on-3 late in the first period.

- For more on the game from a Florida perspective, check out Litter Box Cats.

- The Bruins will travel to Pittsburgh tomorrow for Saturday's game against the Penguins.