Panthers at Bruins
THE STORY: Well rested and riding a five-game winning streak, the Boston Bruins have a change to avenge a loss to the last team to beat them when the Florida Panthers invade TD Garden on Friday night. The reigning Stanley Cup champions have overcome a rocky start to the season with a spectacular stretch that has seen Boston go 19-2-1 in its last 22 games. The Bruins have suffered only one regulation defeat – and two overall – at home since Oct. 27. That came at the hands of the Panthers on Dec. 8, who rode a magnificent 40-save by Jose Theodore to a 2-0 victory over Boston. “I think they’re catching a lot of teams by surprise, a lot of teams might not take them seriously, but they’re getting some wins here and there and they are for real,” Bruins forward Gregory Campbell said. Florida will be looking to avoid a third straight loss.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSFL (Florida), NESN (Boston)
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (18-10-7): Florida lost in overtime at Ottawa on Thursday night – its fifth straight one-goal game and fourth to go beyond regulation in that span. Of more concern, the injuries continue to mount at an alarming pace for the Panthers. Second-leading scorer Stephen Weiss suffered an upper-body injury Thursday and has been ruled out against Boston. Marco Sturm and Mikael Samuelsson were hurt in Tuesday’s loss to Phoenix and are among seven forwards out of action for the Southeast Division leaders.
ABOUT THE BRUINS (22-9-1): Boston G Tim Thomas is on an incredible run, posting a 13-1-0 mark since Nov. 1. His only loss was against the Panthers, a game in which he made 28 saves and did not allow a goal until there were 2 ½ minutes to play. Thomas has four shutouts during that span – all coming on the road – and has won his last three starts. Milan Lucic will return to the lineup after serving a one-game suspension for hitting Philadelphia’s Zac Rinaldo from behind.
OVERTIME:
1. Theodore has been a nemesis for Boston. He has beaten the Bruins six straight times and is 9-0-1 against them in his last 10.
2. Boston has killed off 45 of 47 penalties in the last 12 games. It is also the only team in the league yet to allow a shorthanded goal.