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Bruins aim for ninth straight win vs. Penguins

Dec 30, 2008 - 1:37 PM Boston (27-5-4) at Pittsburgh (19-13-4), 7:30 pm EST

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The red-hot Boston Bruins attempt to further solidify themselves as the elite team in the Eastern Conference when they face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.

The conference leader with 58 points, Boston will be looking to extend its season-long winning streak to nine games in the opener of this home-and-home series.

Michael Ryder netted the game-winner with just over six minutes left in the third period Sunday, lifting Boston to a 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers.

Phil Kessel also scored and Manny Fernandez made 32 saves for the Bruins, who are 25-3-1 after opening the campaign 2-2-3.

The Bruins remain nine points clear of the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals - clubs tied for second in the conference standings.

Boston, which is wrapping up a five-game road trip, will play its next six contests at home - including Thursday's home game against the Penguins.

With the exception of superstars Evgeni Malkin and captain Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh hasn't look liked the team that stormed through the conference en route to a Stanley Cup appearance last season.

Crosby and Malkin have combined for 30 goals and 108 points this season, but the Penguins have fallen to fourth place in the Atlantic Division after losing seven of their last 11 games.