Sunrise, FL- With two goals from David Krejci and a shootout goal from Blake Wheeler the Boston Bruins beat the Florida Panthers 3-2 last night.

 

The Michael Ryder-Krejci-Wheeler line has been reunited  after being separated for much of last season. During the 2008-2009 season, the trio exhibited great chemistry and were arguably Boston’s best two way line. Last season however, the group struggled to get anything going, but tonight they were responsible for both goals during regulation. 

 

Their experience together proved to be a big factor in Bruins coach Claude Julien’s game plan as he put the three back together. 

 

“I hope so, that was the goal behind it [it was] to get those guys [together] to find their groove again because they were good for us,” said Julien. “Once they got themselves going they were a threat all night.”

 

Krejci’s line had a successful night versus Florida, but Krejci says that they need to build off of their success to continue it. Ryder finished with two assists and Wheeler finished with an assist plus a shootout winner. 

 

Bruins goalie Tim Thomas made the difference in the game stopping 32 of 34 shots which included several breakaways, and a late third period two on one by David Booth and former Boston Bruin Dennis Wideman. 

 

“I had an idea someone was going there [the side of the net], Booth had the puck, and he likes to shoot so I was really honoring shot. When he made the pass I was fortunate to be able to get over and get a glove on it,” said Thomas about stopping Wideman on the two on one. 

 

Both Thomas and Florida goalie Scott Clemmensen had their hands full. Clemmensen, a Boston College alum, made 40 saves on 42 shots.

 

“It was one of those duels where both goalies stood tall,” said Julien.

 

The Bruins found themselves down a goal twice, but “were able to score big goals at opportune times,” said Julien. 

 

“After we tied it [at two] we got ourselves into a bit of a run and gun game that could have been costly had it not been for Timmy,” said Julien.

 

The second Panther goal was scored by center Mike Santorelli, on a deflection from around crossbar height. Thomas joked that the Jumbotron in Sunrise is not as HD as in Boston.

 

“It might have been a little high, but I would have to watch the replay on a good TV to tell you for sure,” said Thomas jokingly. 

 

The Bruins looked iffy a few times mentioned Thomas, but in the end they were able to pull out the win. The Black and Gold will be back in action Tuesday night in Tampa Bay.