Bruins' goalie Tim Thomas robs Devils' Brian Gionta on a point-blank shot in the first period.
(Barry Chin/Globe Staff)
Bruins Notebook
Last night, for the first time in the last three games, P.J. Axelsson was on the ice for an opposing even-strength goal when New Jersey forward Dainius Zubrus batted a puck past Tim Thomas in the first period.
But Axelsson still ended up on the plus side, as he scored an even-strength goal at 14:13 of the first period, assisted on Marco Sturm's shorthanded goal, and assisted on Marc Savard's five-on-five winner with a minute left in the second period.
"I played the same game that I always do," said Axelsson, who now boasts a team-leading plus-10 rating. "Just one of those nights where the pucks go in."
For the last three games, Axelsson has skated with Phil Kessel, the Bruin with the worst plus-minus rating (minus-8). And it might not be a coincidence that the Bruins have gone 3-0-0 since coach Claude Julien put them together with Savard on the No. 1 line.
"I think Axy's had a positive influence on whoever he's been put with," said Julien, who first assembled the line for Boston's 5-2 win over Atlanta last Monday. "I think he certainly gives those other players a lot of confidence that he's going to take care of the defensive end extremely well."
Last night, however, Axelsson contributed on the offensive end, as well. By his recollection, Axelsson has been playing with a new stick for the last 20 games - a model with a heel curve instead of a toe curve to help him elevate his shot.
In the first period, Axelsson found the rebound of a Kessel shot that was blocked by defenseman Colin White. Axelsson turned and sent a soft-moving shot over the blocker of goalie Kevin Weekes.
In the second period, Axelsson corralled the puck at the New Jersey blue line, keeping the play going in the offensive zone. Once again, Axelsson turned and fired a shot on goal that Savard deflected past Weekes.
"I think he's a guy who has more skill than most people give him credit for," Julien said. "He's been putting up points on the board, whether with timely goals or timely plays. He's made some great plays in pressure situations like skilled guys do."
Before skating with Axelsson, Kessel had been a significant defensive liability. Before last Monday, Kessel had been on the ice for at least one opposing even-strength goal in six straight matches.
"He's so smart," Kessel said about Axelsson. "When he's on the ice, you don't understand how smart of a player he is. He's been around the league a long time, so he knows where to be and where to go. It helps out."
Shield up
Milan Lucic wore a half-shield last night to protect the area around his right eye. On Thursday, Lucic was high-sticked by Washington defenseman Mike Green, an injury that required six stitches to close.
Lucic said he will wear the shield temporarily. Yesterday morning, the swelling on his forehead and around his eye had gone down. Earlier Thursday, Lucic's face also took a battering when he absorbed several right hands during a fight with bruiser John Erskine.
Wrinkle in the crease
With Alex Auld spending the day with his wife, Melanie, and new baby boy - Sam Alexander checked in at 1:30 a.m. yesterday at 6 pounds 9 ounces - goaltending coach Bob Essensa manned one of the nets during the morning skate.
Essensa wore Auld's new mask - gold and black stripes, AA on one temple, BB on the other, and the retro Bruins logo on the crown - and sat at his stall after the skate.
"Don't know if I want to take that chance," Julien cracked when asked if Essensa would be available to back up Thomas last night.
Instead, the Bruins recalled Tuukka Rask from Providence yesterday, then assigned the goalie back to the AHL team after the victory.
Defensemen healing
Aaron Ward (broken left foot) participated in yesterday's morning skate. Ward is wearing a protective flap over the instep on his left skate . . . Bobby Allen (back spasms) spent time with physical therapist Scott Waugh, who had the defenseman working out with what resembled leg irons to strengthen his core . . . Andrew Alberts (post-concussion syndrome symptoms) went through an off-ice workout . . . Brad Marchand, Boston's third-round pick from 2006, scored a goal and added an assist in Canada's 3-2 overtime victory over Sweden yesterday in the gold medal game of the world junior championship . . . The Bruins' annual Wives Charity Carnival will take place today at TD Banknorth Garden from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Current players, coaching staff, and alumni, including Cam Neely and Ray Bourque, are expected to attend. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or the Garden box office.
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