TAMPA, Fla., May 19 (UPI) -- Tim Thomas made 31 saves Thursday to record the second playoff shutout of his career and bring Boston a 2-0 decision over Tampa Bay.
The Bruins took a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals, which resume Saturday in Tampa.
Thomas improved his 2011 playoff record to 10-4 to back up a regular season in which he led the NHL in save percentage and goals-against average. He had nine shutouts during the regular campaign, two off the league lead held by Henrik Lundqvist.
His other playoff shutout came two years ago.
David Krejci scored 1:09 into the first period on a backhander that beat Dwayne Roloson.
Thomas protected the 1-0 lead until midway through the third period, when Tyler Seguin tipped in a shot by Andrew Ference.
Seguin continued to pay huge dividends after being put in the lineup to replace the injured Patrice Bergeron.
Bergeron was back on the ice Thursday and took two shots without producing a point. Seguin had two goals and two assists during Boston's 6-5 win in Game 2 Tuesday.
Roloson made 25 saves for the Lightning.
