NHL: Boston 6, Florida 1

BOSTON, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Byron Bitz scored the second and third goals of his career Tuesday, paving the way for a 6-1 Boston Bruins blasting of the Florida Panthers.

The rookie winger was joined in the Boston scoring by Patrice Bergeron, Mark Stuart, Aaron Ward and Michael Ryder. Marc Savard and Stephane Yelle added two assists each while Tim Thomas made 24 saves for the win.

The Bruins won for just the second time in eight games.

Kamil Kreps scored the lone goal for Florida.

Florida goalie Craig Anderson started in place of a flu-ridden Tomas Vokoun and gave up all six goals on 39 shots.