The last time the Boston Bruins were scheduled to host the Tampa Bay Lightning a massive snow storm wound up changing those plans.
Weather doesn't expect to be a factor this time, however, as the Bruins try to keep their longest winning streak of the season going when they welcome the struggling Lightning for Saturday's test at TD Garden.
Saturday's contest marks the first meeting between the clubs in Boston this season since the initial encounter at TD Garden on Feb. 9 was postponed due to a blizzard. The postponed game was rescheduled for April 25.
Boston has won two straight and six of eight in this series overall. Tampa has dropped four in a row, seven of eight and 10 of its last 12 games in Beantown.
The Bruins enter Saturday's tilt having won five straight games, improving their record this season to an impressive 13-2-2. As a result of its terrific start Boston is currently one point behind Montreal for the Northeast Division lead, but the B's have played three less games than the Canadiens.
Boston's most recent victory came in dramatic fashion Thursday against visiting Ottawa. Patrice Bergeron netted the game-winning goal with 1:22 remaining in overtime, giving the Bruins a 2-1 win over the Senators, who entered the game tied with Boston for second place in the division.
After a right-circle faceoff win, Bergeron redirected a point drive from Dennis Seidenberg between Ottawa goaltender Robin Lehner's pads. The puck trickled through the crease and appeared to barely make it totally across the goal line before eventually being pushed further into the net.
There was no audible whistle to halt action, and play was not stopped until an official behind the cage waved his hands to indicate a review. After a brief check, the goal stood to end the contest.
"I thought for sure it was in, especially after that second kick at it," Bergeron said. "Marshy (Brad Marchand) was standing right there. He said it was definitely in after the second time."
Nathan Horton notched the other goal and Tuukka Rask stopped 30 shots for the Bruins, who also have won eight of their last 10 contests.
Boston, which will complete a three-game homestand Sunday against Montreal, is 5-1-1 as the host this season.
The Lightning, meanwhile, will try to get something going on Saturday after losing three straight and 10 of their last 13 contests. Tampa was last in action Thursday in New York and was handed a 4-1 setback at Madison Square Garden. Rick Nash recorded a goal and an assist to spark the New York Rangers to the easy home win.
Martin St. Louis accounted for the lone goal for Tampa Bay, while Mathieu Garon recording 38 saves in defeat.
"If it wasn't for (Garon), it could have been 6-0," said Lightning center Steven Stamkos.
Stamkos, who was named the NHL's First Star for the month of February, assisted on St. Louis' goal, giving him seven goals and seven helpers during an eight-game point streak.
The setback came in the first tilt of a four-game road trip and dropped Tampa's record as the guest this season to 3-6-0.
Lightning defenseman Sami Salo missed Thursday's game with a lower body injury and is questionable for Saturday.
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