Newark, NJ (Sports Network) – Tim Thomas made 31 saves, and the Boston Bruins scored four goals in the second period on the way to a 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils.
Jordan Caron, Shawn Thornton, Milan Lucic and Michael Ryder had the goals for the Bruins, who were playing their first game since returning from the Czech Republic. Boston split a series against Phoenix in Prague to start the season.
Martin Brodeur allowed four goals on 35 shots, continuing his shaky start to the season. While he posted a shutout Wednesday against Buffalo, he has allowed 18 goals in six starts.
Dainius Zubrus scored the lone goal for the Devils, who have dropped five of six to start the year.
All of the game’s scoring happened in the second period. Zubrus’ goal came 3:45 in, but a little less than two minutes later Caron evened the game. He collected a rebound in the slot and wristed it past a fallen Brodeur.
Ryder then put the Bruins in front at 10:44. He was skating into the slot when he received a pass from Tyler Seguin and beat Brodeur glove-side.
Thornton’s shot from the right circle beat Brodeur to the far side with 3:17 remaining, and Brodeur’s period of horror concluded with 1:51 on the clock, when Lucic one-timed David Krejci’s pass past the goaltender’s stick.
Thomas then made seven saves in the final period to seal the win.
Krejci has four assists this season…Boston goes to Washington on Tuesday before playing its home-opener Thursday against the Capitals…New Jersey doesn’t play again until Thursday, at Montreal.