NHL: Boston 2, Tampa Bay 1

BOSTON, March 3 (UPI) -- Milan Lucic put Boston in front with 3:42 to play Thursday and the Bruins held on for their seventh consecutive victory, a 2-1 decision over Tampa Bay.

The Bruins maintained a six-point lead over Montreal at the top of the Northeast Division, getting 27 saves from Tim Thomas. Boston climbed within three points of Philadelphia for the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Lucic's goal was his 28th of the season, seven more than any other member of the Bruins. The game's other two goals came in the span of 2:02 of the second period from Tampa Bay's Eric Brewer and Boston's Steve Kampfer.

Tampa Bay lost its second straight after winning three in a row. Mike Smith made 26 saves in the loss.