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Bruins hope to bounce back from rare loss

Dec 12, 2008 - 11:24 AM Boston (19-5-4) at Atlanta (9-14-4), 7:30 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- The Boston Bruins haven't had to rebound from a loss too often. When they do, they have done so with precision.

The Bruins will attempt to avoid their first back-to-back losses in over seven weeks when they open a home-and-home series against the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday.

Boston had its five-game winning streak snapped and lost for second time in 11 games Wednesday, suffering a 3-1 setback to the Washington Capitals. Milan Lucic scored the lone goal for the Bruins, who have an Eastern Conference-best 95 goals.

Phil Kessel has recorded 17 goals and Marc Savard has 24 assists and 32 points to lead Boston, which has lost consecutive contests since dropping three straight October 20-23.

Since that losing streak, the Bruins have posted a 17-3-1 record and climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference.

The Thrashers, who will travel to Boston for Saturday's game, have just two victories since their five-game winning streak ended on November 14.

Atlanta, which suffered a 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Rangers on Wednesday, has gone 2-7-2 over its previous 11 contests.