NHL: Boston 3, Tampa Bay 1

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 4 (UPI) -- David Krejci scored shorthanded in the third period Thursday to put Boston in front and the Bruins held off Tampa Bay 3-1.

Phil Kessel produced the other two Boston goals as part of the Bruins' third straight victory and seventh in eight games. Tim Thomas made 30 saves in helping Boston open December with a win after going 11-1-1 in November.

The lone Tampa Bay goal came from Martin St. Louis. The Lightning have lost six in a row and 11 out of 12.

With teammate Shane Hnidy in the box for holding and the penalty almost over, Krejci took the puck and headed toward the goal while trying to hold off a defender.

As Krejci neared the goal, he slowed and managed to get off a shot that beat goaltender Mike Smith. The tally came with 11:43 to play in the third period.

Kessel added an empty-netter with a half second remaining.