''One of our biggest strengths at this point is our resilience," said coach Mike Sullivan. ''That's a credit to the players. They really have brought a determined attitude to the rink on a daily basis and it's that attitude I believe that's going to help this team be successful down the stretch."
The Bruins struck first, scoring on the power play. Patrice Bergeron dished a pass from the left point to Brad Stuart at the right point. Stuart teed up a slapper that goalie Brent Johnson kicked out, but Brad Boyes backhanded in the rebound from the top of the crease at 2:36.
The Bruins appeared to be in trouble early in the second period after a turnover, which forced Nick Boynton to pull down rookie phenom Alexander Ovechkin at 2:50. Ovechkin was awarded his first career penalty shot.
''I don't remember the play," said Boynton. ''I got kicked in the face after I dove. It kind of rattled my head a little bit."
Boynton said his options were to haul Ovechkin down or let him go in alone.
''Or, I could've two-handed him in the back, if I could," said Boynton with a laugh. ''Either way, it wasn't going to end well."
Turned out it did. Ovechkin, who was held off the board Monday night because of the work of P.J. Axelsson and earned only an assist last night because of Axelsson's efforts, tried to beat goaltender Tim Thomas with a forehand shot to Thomas's glove side but his bid went wide.
''I just felt like I was with him the whole way and that he had nothing," said Thomas, who made 32 saves. ''He can come down on a penalty shot and miss the net every time and I'll be happy."
