BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Tim Thomas made 33 saves and established a franchise record Wednesday in carrying the Boston Bruins to a 5-2 victory over Buffalo.
Thomas has won his first seven starts this season, the most ever for a Boston goaltender at the opening of a campaign. The record of six straight season-opening wins by Tiny Thompson had stood for 72 years.
The Bruins made it easy for Thomas by staking him to a four-goal lead. Boston won its third in a row and has captured seven out of eight.
Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and Blake Wheeler all scored in the first period, the first two goals coming shorthanded.
Michael Ryder made it 4-0 early in the second before Drew Stafford finally beat Thomas on the power play. Thomas had been trying for his third straight shutout.
Buffalo has lost four in a row and is without a victory at home in six tries this season.
With Ryan Miller out of action due to a lower body injury, Jhonas Enroth started in goal for the first time this season and gave up three scores on 12 shots in the first period. Patrick Lalime played the final 40 minutes, stopping 12-of-13 shots.
