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Surging Bruins host Devils

Dec 13, 2007 - 2:16 PM New Jersey (16-11-3) at Boston (17-10-3) 7:00 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) - Goaltender Alex Auld has paid instant dividends for the Boston Bruins.

Since being acquired on December 6 from Phoenix for a fifth-round draft pick, Auld has led the Bruins to three straight wins - all on the road, while stopping 92 shots and allowing just five goals.

Boston will be going for its fourth consecutive victory when it hosts the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, in the opener of a five-game homestand.

While Auld has the hot hand he may not be in net considering he played in the Bruins, 5-3, victory over Atlanta on Wednesday. The Bruins will turn to Tuukka Rask if Auld gets the day off.

Regular netminder Tim Thomas remains day-to-day with a strained groin, but could return early next week.

Center Marc Savard has a league-best 29 assists for Boston, which has outshot its opponents in just seven of the 30 games this season.

The Devils have lost two straight - one in overtime - after a nine-game winning streak.

Zach Parise leads New Jersey with 14 goals and 18 assists and goaltender Martin Brodeur has posted a 14-10-2 record with a 2.25 goals-against average.

The Devils came back from a three-goal deficit in the first meeting this year, winning 4-3 in overtime on December 5. The two teams split the four contests last season.