Given that Atlanta is one of the Bruins' chief obstacles in the hunt for an Eastern Conference playoff spot, it was a very big 2 points as the Bruins drew even with the Thrashers. The teams are tied for ninth place with 60 points but are 4 points behind the Canadiens for the eighth and final playoff spot.
''The power play is really based on results, not really how many chances you get or how long you're in the zone," Leetch said. ''Tonight, a key time, a deflection off a skate, but in the end, it looks like your power play is the difference and it was. To get that win, [the Thrashers] would've been happy to go into overtime knowing they were getting 1 point, so for us to get it in regulation was great."
Sullivan elected to make a goalie change after starting Tim Thomas for 16 straight games. Andrew Raycroft got his first start since Jan. 12, the first time Raycroft felt completely healthy since late October. Early in the season, Raycroft battled a hamstring injury, then was the hard-luck loser during much of Boston's defensive troubles before general manager Mike O'Connell shook up the club by trading captain Joe Thornton.
When Hannu Toivonen suffered a high ankle sprain Jan. 5 against Ottawa, Raycroft injured his right leg in the next game. He struggled up to the Olympic break as Thomas carried the load. Raycroft was eager to get back into the mix and held up his end, making 20 saves. He didn't deny he wanted to make a statement, if simply to quell trade rumors.
''Then the questions get even worse if we can't find a way to win," said Raycroft. ''[And people are saying] he's definitely going [to another team] now. It could go both ways. It was just nice to win and not worry about it. If we keep winning, life is good."
Leetch was happy Raycroft earned his first victory since Jan. 7.
