Bruins RWs Karsums, Bitz contribute after recall

Jan 10, 2009 - 10:17 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Hours after being recalled from Providence of the American Hockey League on Saturday, right wings Martins Karsums and Byron Bitz played a role in the Boston Bruins' 5-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.

Appearing in his second career game, Karsums set up Stephane Yelle's goal late in the first period that gave Boston a 2-0 lead. Less than 3 1/2 minutes into the middle session, Bitz - who was making his NHL debut - notched an assist on defenseman Mark Stuart's tally, which increased the advantage to three.

A second-round pick in 2004, Karsums made his first appearance for the Bruins in a 4-2 triumph over the Atlanta Thrashers on December 13. The 22-year-old Latvian currently leads Providence with 16 goals and 39 points in 38 games this season.

The 24-year-old Bitz, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2003 draft, has recorded three goals and seven assists in 37 contests with Providence this campaign. The 6-5, 215-pound native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan played collegiately at Cornell, where he registered 28 tallies and 88 points in 124 games over four seasons.