They're not allowing many lane violations

WILMINGTON - When asked about a harmless-looking play from the second period of Saturday's 4-1 win over Detroit, Manny Fernandez admitted yesterday that he couldn't recall its specifics.

But in retrospect, the fact that the Bruins turned an opponent's scoring chance into a benign and forgettable play illustrated the excellence in execution they've showcased this season.

In Saturday's second period, with the Bruins up, 3-0, Detroit defenseman Brett Lebda controlled the puck at the Boston blue line and saw forwards Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby setting up shop in the slot, poised for a tip or a rebound.

But as Lebda prepared to let a wrister go, the Bruins clogged up the shooting lane. Dennis Wideman and Matt Hunwick covered their net-front men. The top line of Milan Lucic, Marc Savard, and Phil Kessel followed their defensive assignments. And just like that, the shooting lane - and the expected scoring chance - was gone.

Lebda's only option was to dish to partner Andreas Lilja, who sent a 60-foot slapper on goal with no traffic in front that Fernandez easily gloved at 14:14.

"That's something that you have to do," Wideman said. "When their D's are trying to shoot, we're trying to get in the shooting lanes and block as many shots as we can. So he sends it across to Lilja. We didn't have anyone in that lane, but they didn't have anyone in that lane, either. So it was a clear shot for Manny to see."

The Bruins have blocked 318 shots this season, 12th in the NHL. The statistic shows a willingness by players to step in front of pucks (Aaron Ward leads the team with 43 blocks). But a high number of blocks also indicates a greater number of shots allowed. The Islanders have a league-high 425 blocks, but have given up 767 shots, fifth most in the NHL. Conversely, Detroit is No. 29 in blocked shots (224) but has given up 26.8 shots per game, third fewest in the league.

So the optimal formula is: Allow fewer shots by filling lanes, but block the ones that sneak through.

"When you come in the shooting lane, whether you block it or not, it creates some uncertainty," said coach Claude Julien. "Guys are looking for other options. They're looking for a pass instead of a shot because they don't want to get it blocked. It buys time for the rest of your team to get in position as well."

The clog-the-lane approach might be challenging for Fernandez and Tim Thomas, who have to fight traffic to spot pucks and position themselves correctly for anything that gets through. But the goalies have emphasized communication with their teammates so they aren't getting screened squarely.

"When you've got a clear lane with the shooter, usually that's supposed to be yours," said Fernandez. "There are nights when it's a little tougher, but those are the times when the team has enough confidence in their goalie to stop the shot."

Help arrives

With Ward (leg) unavailable for tomorrow's game against Tampa Bay and Saturday's match against Florida, the Bruins had Matt Lashoff and Johnny Boychuk go through their first practice yesterday at Ristuccia Arena since their recalls from Providence Monday.

While this is Lashoff's second promotion this season, it's the first call-up for Boychuk, the leading scorer among AHL defensemen (4-19 -22). Three of Boychuk's goals have come on the power play, where he's showcased his heavy shot.

"Just don't be scared," Boychuk said of the message he received from coaches and teammates yesterday. "Just play your game. That's why you're here. That's what I'm going to do and hopefully stay here for a while."

Boychuk, who was dogged by a reputation for mediocre mobility in Colorado, credited offseason power skating work in boosting his movement and explosiveness. Yesterday, the righthanded-shooting Boychuk skated mostly with Zdeno Chara. Lashoff also cycled in with Chara, shifting the captain to the right side.

"He had a decent camp," Julien said of Boychuk. "He's had a real good start to the season in Providence. That's one of the reasons we got him, to give us some depth in our lineup and on our back end. He hasn't disappointed."

With Julien liking the play of his second and third pairings, it's likely that either Boychuk or Lashoff will play with Chara against the Lightning. Julien has also rotated Chara with different partners, including Wideman and Hunwick. Julien will most likely try to match Chara against Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa's No. 1 center.

Boychuk would have to clear waivers if the Bruins reassign him to Providence. He didn't have to pass through reentry waivers because he earns less than $100,000 in the AHL - a point he kidded about yesterday.

"Because it's like, down there, right?" joked Boychuk, holding his hand a foot above the floor.

No red flags

Marco Sturm (concussion) hasn't reported any setbacks after completing two practices. Sturm has skated on the fourth line the last two days. Julien said the team will determine tomorrow morning whether he can return against the Lightning . . . Julien noted the benefit of bringing seven defensemen to Florida, citing the maintenance days given to Wideman and Shane Hnidy Monday. "We've had guys missing practices for maintenance," Julien said. "Maintenance means there's not concern but cautiousness there. We're just being cautious and making sure we've got some extra bodies in case." This past summer, Wideman opted for rest instead of surgery to repair a groin injury. Hnidy underwent offseason knee surgery.

Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawa@globe.com