bruins 3 - lightning 1

Despite getting scored on about 80 seconds into the game (a disturbing trend in recent weeks, I've found), the Bruins were able to rely on stellar goaltending (surprise!) to come from behind and win their first game of December.

Tim Thomas made an unbelievable save in the final seconds of the first period, and a diving save from post-to-post in the first minute of the second period to keep the game close. From there, the Bruins' scoring depth lead the come back. Marc Savard threaded an unreeeeal pass through a defenders' legs to Phil Kessel in the slot, and the score was tied.

Shane Hnidy drew a minor penalty, but on the penalty-kill Blake Wheeler anticipated a D-to-D pass attempt, and lobbed a pass up to a streaking David Krejci. Krejci executed what has to be one of the most extreme inside-out moves this year, and tucked the puck past (Lightning goalie) Mike Smith, for the lead.

In the final moments, Phil Kessel potted an empty-net goal, and the Bruins rolled on past the Tampa Bay club.

Of Note: The win brings the B's to 17-4-4, tied with the Redwings; Phil Kessel's two goals bring his point-streak to 10 games, which is awesome for the Bruins and great for my standings in the Hockey Pool.