Marc Savard wasn't able to increase his career-best point streak but he helped keep Toronto's top line in check.
(DAVE SANDFORD/Getty Images)
Bruins Notebook
TORONTO - As Claude Julien said after last night's 2-1 win, every streak must come to an end.
The first-year Boston coach was talking about Marc Savard's career-best 12-game scoring streak, which was snapped last night. Savard entered the game with two goals and 17 assists during the streak, the longest active string in the league this year.
Savard recorded two shots while go-to sniper Glen Murray had only one attempt.
But like he's done regularly throughout the streak, Julien deployed Savard and linemates Murray and P.J. Axelsson as checkers, this time against Toronto's No. 1 line of Nik Antropov, Mats Sundin, and Alexei Ponikarovsky. The three Toronto forwards combined for six shots on goalie Alex Auld. None got on the scoresheet.
"I'm sure if you asked Savvy, the win is more important than the streak," said Julien. "He's found a way to dedicate himself for the whole game. That's been something that's extremely good about most of our players."
Prime-time player
With Bobby Allen scratched last night because of back spasms, Julien had to call on Aaron Ward to return to his lineup, perhaps a bit sooner than expected.
Ward sprained his right ankle last Saturday against Tampa Bay and missed the last three games.
"I could only turn one way," said Ward, who skated mostly with Matt Hunwick on the third pairing. "But Hunwick was good. He was very aware out there as a partner. It helped me a fair amount. I would call him off whenever I didn't need help. He was always pretty close to me."
Ward skated a total of 24 shifts for 17:09 of ice time. He blocked two shots, including one after he tweaked his ankle near the Boston net in the second period. During breaks on the bench, trainer Don DelNegro applied a numbing spray to Ward's ankle.
"We're all pretty aware that we're on 'Hockey Night in Canada' coast-to-coast," said Ward. "Next to playing in the playoffs, 'Hockey Night in Canada' is as exciting for a hockey player as it gets. We were excited to play the game, but we maintained a level of composure and it was evident with a 2-1 win on the road."
Qualified loan
Manny Fernandez, assigned to Providence on a conditioning loan Thursday, was recalled to Boston yesterday. Players on long-term injured reserve can go on an AHL conditioning loan for a maximum of six days and three games. The club can file an appeal to extend the loan by two games. Fernandez didn't play in Providence's 4-3 win over Chicago Friday.
"We are trying to preserve future days for loan purposes," general manager Peter Chiarelli wrote in an e-mail.
Fernandez, sidelined by back and knee woes, has been on loan for two days and zero games. Providence, which lost to visiting Portland, 5-4, last night, does not play again until Wednesday against Lowell at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.
Back on top
While the Bruins ended Toronto's four-game winning streak, they also put a stop to their two-match skid. They gave away a 3-0 first-period lead to New Jersey in Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss, then looked legless for most of Thursday's 4-2 setback to Montreal at TD Banknorth Garden. "It was a huge game for us," said Zdeno Chara. "It's in our division against our rival. It was a close, close game. We bounced back after two games like that." . . . Andrew Ference (knee) and Shawn Thornton (foot) participated in the morning skate but did not play last night. Of the two, Ference appears to be closer to returning. "Right now, it's sore," said Thornton of his left foot. "I'm only four weeks out, so I have to be careful about how much pressure I put on it. I don't want to break it again and be out another 4-6 weeks." . . . Vladimir Sobotka (shoulder) was sidelined for the second straight game.
Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawa@globe.com.
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