BOSTON, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Tim Thomas protected a Boston lead by making 15 of his 34 saves in the final period Wednesday, giving the Bruins a 2-1 decision over Florida.
Boston won for the fourth time in six contests and swept its four-game season series with the Panthers.
The Bruins will take a four-point Northeast Division lead over Montreal into the all-star break.
Brad Marchand scored for the Bruins with 6:29 to go in the first period and Milan Lucic increased the advantage early in the second with his 20th goal of the season.
Florida could not get one past Thomas until Bryan Allen scored on a wrist shot 8:37 into the third. The Panthers have lost five out of six. Tomas Vokoun was charged with the loss while making 33 saves.
Thomas will go into the break with the second most wins among NHL goaltenders (24) and the best goals-against average (1.84).
