The Boston Bruins made it 12 goals in two games with a 6-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks in a violent clash on Thursday.
Coming off a 6-1 win on Tuesday, the Eastern Conference-leading Bruins responded to a brawl by scoring two goals in as many minutes at the end of the second period, putting them 5-0 up at the break.
There were 58 penalty minutes played and a number of violent outbreaks.
Boston goalie Tim Thomas stopped 35 shots for his fourth shutout of the season, Michael Ryder had two goals and an assist in his second game back after facial surgery, and Chuck Kobasew also scored twice.
The result meant the Bruins had already matched last year’s win total of 42, with still another 20 regular season games to go.
PANTHERS 2, RANGERS 1
In New York, David Booth and Nathan Horton scored a minute apart in the third for Florida, spoiling New York coach John Tortorella’s home debut.
Tortorella replaced the fired Tom Renney on Monday and lost his debut on Wednesday in a shootout in Toronto. New York has dropped 12 of 14.
The result moved the Panthers level with the Rangers on 70 points, tied for sixth in the East.
SHARKS 2, SENATORS 1
In Ottawa, San Jose edged Ottawa to stay a point in front of Boston in the fight over the league’s best record.
The Sharks trailed 1-0 until Milan Michalek and Patrick Marleau scored power-play goals 1:18 apart in the second period.
DEVILS 4, AVALANCHE 0
In Newark, goalie Martin Brodeur made an impressive comeback from elbow surgery, recording his 99th career regular-season shutout as New Jersey beat Colorado.
Brodeur made 24 saves in his first game since early November. The shutout moved him within four of Terry Sawchuk’s regular-season career mark of 103.
The four-time Vezina Trophy winner as hockey’s best goalie was greeted by a standing ovation in his comeback.
Also on Thursday it was:
• Hurricanes 2, Sabres 1, SO
• Blue Jackets 1, Oilers 0
• Capitals 4, Thrashers 3
• Blues 3, Stars 1
• Predators 4, Coyotes 1
• Maple Leafs 5, Islanders 4, SO
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