Slegr upfront about contributions

Last night's 2-0 loss to the Panthers notwithstanding, the Bruins are one hot hockey team of late.

They still depend on the fine goaltending of Andrew Raycroft, and stout defensive play. But the offense has improved, too, and one of the major reasons is the addition of defenseman Jiri Slegr, acquired from Vancouver Jan. 17. The Bruins were in need of an offensive defenseman, and Slegr filled the bill nicely. In 17 games with the club, he has 14 points (3 goals, 11 assists), and he has been a force on the improved power play. Since Slegr arrived, the Bruins' record is a lofty 10-3-2-2.

Slegr, a 32-year-old Czech, is a veteran of 10 NHL seasons and six teams (he had two tours with Vancouver).

"I've liked being here from the beginning," he said before last night's game. "I've gone from never playing to playing a lot. I've always liked to play a lot, it's great to do it on a regular basis. It's not just me out there. There are five guys at a time out there playing together. We have been pretty good in our focus."

The Bruins have scored on 10 of their last 49 power plays. That's hardly the stuff of the 1980's Edmonton Oilers, but it's a lot better than it was earlier in the season, when the Bruins' power play struggled. Despite going 0 for 4 last night, the power play is better of late, to a large degree, because Slegr is nifty with the puck and can fire a booming slap shot from the point.

"Nothing comes easy on the power play," said Slegr. "Sometimes it's frustrating. But puck movement is what creates opportunities. Don't stand there. If you do, it's easy to stop. As a defenseman who has killed penalties, if the five guys on the power play all stand in one spot, it'll be easy for the four guys on the penalty kill to defend them.

"To be successful with the man advantage, all five guys need to move around. It makes no sense for the defensemen to be on the point all the time. Muzz [Glen Murray] and Joe [Thornton] are great guys out front. You've got to take some chances. If you get your shot off, even if it doesn't go in, it makes them afraid it's coming again. If you get a second shot, you have a great chance of Muzz or Joe tipping it in."

Although the Bruins have played better on the road (12 games over .500), than at home (three games over), 12 of their last 19 games are at the FleetCenter. They have played better at home as the season has progressed, and, beginning March 18, the club has a stretch of seven of eight games at home, before concluding the season at New Jersey April 4.

"We have to keep the ball rolling and keep the good feeling in the room," concluded Slegr. "We have to work hard because it's not going to come easy. That's not going to happen. We have to stress work ethic; it's a big part of victory. I like to play at home. The fans press you to create something. The fans want you to step it up. We've played better on the road for some reason, but it's time to start winning consistently at home. Winning will build on itself."