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Bruins hope to stay hot against Ducks

Dec 20, 2010 - 4:15 PM (Sports Network) - The Boston Bruins were able to end their longest losing streak of the season in their last trip to the ice and will shoot for consecutive victories when they host the Anaheim Ducks tonight at TD Garden.

The Bruins ended an 0-2-1 drought -- the club's longest skid since a 10-game losing streak from Jan. 16-Feb. 6 of last season -- with a home win over Washington on Saturday.

Boston recorded a 3-2 regulation win over the Capitals to begin a three-game homestand. Tim Thomas came up big in net once again, making 25 of his 39 saves in the third period to allow three first-period goals by Boston to stand up for the win.

"I didn't really have time to think too much about it, or at least I didn't over-think it, which is a good thing," Thomas said of the constant pressure he faced in the third period.

Patrice Bergeron and Blake Wheeler each finished with a goal and an assist for the Bruins.

Boston has won four of its last five games in Beantown, bring their season record to 8-5-3 on home ice. The Bruins will complete their homestand Thursday against Atlanta.

The Ducks, meanwhile, are 1-2-0 so far on a seven-game road trip and are coming off consecutive loss to the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes.

Anaheim was dealt a 4-2 loss Saturday in Raleigh as Eric Staal recorded the 12th career hat trick of his career for the Hurricanes.

Ryan Getzlaf scored two goals for the Ducks, who fell to 6-9-3 on the road this season. Jonas Hiller surrendered three goals on 31 shots in the loss.

"We had opportunities," Getzlaf said of his team. "We had opportunities to get kills and we had opportunities to score goals. There is a strong responsibility that has to be taken."

Anaheim beat the Bruins twice last season and the season series' sweep included a 6-1 victory in Boston. The Ducks have won three of four overall in the series and have five wins in their last nine trips to the Bay State.

Tonight's encounter marks the only scheduled meeting this season between the Ducks and Bruins.