Up next: Marc Savard, Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins

[SBN Bruins Blog - Stanley Cup of Chowder]

Record: 29-23-11

Scorers: Patrice Bergeron (12g, 26a), Zdeno Chara (5g, 30a), Marc Savard (10g, 23a)

It's been an up and down season for the Bruins up to this point.  Similar to the Penguins' troubles earlier in the year, injuries played a factor in Boston's run.  Broken bones, H1N1 and your typical hockey-related bashes and bruises have certainly put the Bruins in a tough spot to make a playoff run.

But here they are sitting in seventh place in the east, trying to close out strong with a solid tandem of goaltending. Seeing as how Tm Thomas started yesterday against the Islanders in a 3-2 win, it's more than likely we'll see Tuuka Rask in net for the B's today.  If records are any indication of success (which in most cases they are), then Rask has definitely been the better goaltender for the better part of the season with a record of 14-8-4.  Thomas, on the other hand, just leveled out at .500 with a record of 15-15-7.

Last time these two met the Pens were within milliseconds of losing in regulation.  That is, until Bill Guerin launched a prayer that beat Tim Thomas with .4 seconds on the clock to force overtime.  Dupuis ultimately picked up the game-winner.  Today is the third meeting of the season, hopefully one that doesn't turn out like the first one -- a 3-0 shutout.

The Bruins have won five straight on the road, an interesting stat to consider today as they skate into Mellon Arena.  Pittsburgh, on the other hand, are winners in three straight since returning from the Olympic break and have umped to a three point lead over New Jersey in the Atlantic. 

Puck and thread:  3:00.