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The Bruins must have been bad boys and girls all year, because the NHL rewarded them with three games in four days as the year comes to a close. I’m sure the Bruins would like more rest ahead of their Winter Classic game against the Flyers on New Year’s Day.

The first test came Sunday night in the form of the pesky Florida Panthers, who have been hovering in and out of playoff contention all season. The Panthers initially proved pesky before falling to the Bruins 2-1.

Florida’s Dominic Moore got the scoring started, notching his seventh goal of the season to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead in the first period. The Bruins answered back in the second period with Michael Ryder’s 10th goal of the campaign.

The clubs were knotted at one goal apiece in the third period when Marco Sturm banged home his 11th goal of the year, giving the Bruins a 2-1 third period lead.

Tim Thomas held the lead to earn the win. He held the Panthers to one goal on 26 shots (25 saves).

Former B.C. Eagle Scott Clemmensen started in net for the Panthers, and he finished with 26 saves in the defeat.

The Bruins next take to the ice Monday night against the Lightning.

Tags: Bruins, Florida Panthers, Marco Sturm, Scott Clemmensen, Tim Thomas