Bruins hammer Flames; Rask posts another shutout

BOSTON — Any fears that Bruins coach Claude Julien might have had about his team looking past Calgary and toward a Stanley Cup rematch with Vancouver were quickly laid to rest Thursday.

The Flames didn't last long, either.

Nathan Horton and Patrice Bergeron each had two goals and an assist, Tuukka Rask earned his third shutout in four starts and the rampaging Bruins cruised to a 9-0 blowout of the road-weary Flames.

"To be honest with you, no one talked about Saturday in the dressing room. We were all worried about tonight," Bergeron said. "That's the approach we've had all year and now our next job is Saturday — so now we really have to worry about them. It's going to be a tough game, so tomorrow we need a good practice and be ready for that."

Boston beat the Canucks in seven games last year in the Stanley Cup finals and Saturday is the only time the teams will play during the regular season.

Julien said last season's playoff run taught his players how to focus on the game at hand.

Playing for the second straight night Thursday, the Bruins came out flying and scored three goals in the first 8:49.

The win was the ninth in 10 games for the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Flyers 5, Blackhawks 4

In Philadelphia, James van Riemsdyk's second goal on the power play with 32.8 seconds remaining lifted the Flyers to a victory over Chicago.

Rangers 3, Panthers 2 (OT)

In New York, Marian Gaborik scored 3:29 into overtime to lift the Rangers.

Maple Leafs 4, Jets 0

In Toronto, Jonas Gustavsson stopped 24 shots for his second career shutout to lead the hosts past Winnipeg.

Senators 4, Lightning 1

In Ottawa, Daniel Alfredsson had a goal and two assists, Craig Anderson made 35 saves and the Senators beat Tampa Bay to extend their winning streak to four games.

Blues 4, Oilers 3

In St. Louis, Matt D'Agostini capped a three-goal surge early in the third period and Carlo Colaiacovo had three assists, rallying the Blues past Edmonton.

Stars 4, Predators 1

In Nashville, Mike Ribeiro scored two goals in the first period and Dallas beat the hosts.

Sharks 2, Blue Jackets 1

In San Jose, Joe Thornton scored the tiebreaking goal in the second period of his 500th game with the club and the Sharks went on to beat Columbus for their third straight win.

Kings 1, Coyotes 0 (OT)

In Los Angeles, Jonathan Quick tied a career best with his NHL-leading sixth shutout and defenseman Drew Doughty scored during a goalmouth scramble 38 seconds into overtime to lift the Kings over Phoenix.

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