NHL: Boston 5, Tampa Bay 2

BOSTON, March 27 (UPI) -- Benoit Pouliot's score ignited a three-goal third-period outburst Tuesday that carried the Boston Bruins to a 5-2 victory over Tampa Bay.

Pouliot's tally with 9 1/2 minutes left in the game broke a 2-2 tie and opened the floodgates for the Bruins, who followed with goals from Brad Marchand and Rich Peverley to put the contest away.

Shawn Thornton and Dennis Seidenberg also scored while Zdeno Chara had three assists for Northeast Division-leading Boston, which won its third straight.

Tim Thomas made 16 stops for the Bruins.

Steven Stamkos scored twice for the Lightning, giving him an NHL-best 55 goals for the season.

Tampa Bay's Dwayne Roloson yielded four goals on 37 shots.