NHL: Boston 5, Tampa Bay 3

BOSTON, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The Boston Bruins, aided by a goal and an assist from Phil Kessel, posted their fifth win in a row Monday, a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Milan Lucic, Zdeno Chara, Michael Ryder and P.J. Axelsson also scored once each for Boston, which has improved its Eastern Conference-best record to 19-4-4.

Boston goalie Tim Thomas stopped 26 shots..

Vincent Lecavalier, Adam Hall and Paul Szczechura scored for the Lightning, who have lost eight in a row. Mike Smith made 19 saves.