Bruins Beat Lightning 5-3 For Fifth Straight Win

The Bruins coasted to a 5-3 win over the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning last night at the Garden.

Milan Lucic, Phil Kessel and Michael Ryder scored in the opening 11 minutes for Boston. Zdeno Chara had a second-period, power-play goal and P.J. Axelsson added an empty-netter to help the Bruins win their fifth straight. It was Boston's 14th win in 16 games.

Adam Hall, Vincent Lecavalier and Paul Szczechura scored for the Lightning, who lost their eighth straight - including a 3-1 loss at home to the Bruins last week.

The Bruins' center Stephane Yelle collided with linesman Mark Shewchyk along the boards in the second period and headed straight for the locker room. The Bruins recalled Vladimir Sobotka on an emergency basis after the game.

The Bruins play at Washington tomorrow night.