NHL: Boston 3, Philadelphia 1

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Third-period goals by David Krejci and Dennis Wideman 25 seconds apart Wednesday boosted Boston to a 3-1 victory against Philadelphia.

It was the first of four games between the Eastern Conference foes in the next few weeks.

With the contest knotted 1-1, Krejci won a face-off and redirected a shot by Shane Hindy past Philadelphia netminder Martin Biron at 5:48 of the third for the game-winner, his 19th goal this season.

Wideman's 12th at 6:23 gave Boston an insurmountable 3-1 advantage.

Both players recorded assists on Mitch Ryder's 19th goal at 3:07 of the first period.

Goalie Tim Thomas was credited with 25 saves on 26 shots for the Bruins, who have compiled an NHL-high 82 points and have won five of their last six contests.

Philadelphia averted a shutout when Scott Hartnell scored his 19th goal of the season at 5:24 of the second period.

Biron was beaten three times on 33 shots in the Flyers' third loss in their last four games.

They played without forwards Mike Richards and Scottie Upshall, and defenseman Braydon Coburn, all sidelined by the flu.