Sturm scores big with Boston fans
HIS GOAL, ASSIST HELP BRUINS WIN; SABRES KEEP ROLLING
BOSTON — In the first game since he was acquired from the Sharks as part of a trade for Joe Thornton, Marco Sturm had a goal and an assist as the Boston Bruins beat the first- place Ottawa Senators 3- 0 on Thursday.
Sturm made an immediate impact, scoring 77 seconds into his Boston career and then assisting on Patrice Bergeron’s goal with 11: 13 left in the first period.
‘‘ We said it before the game: We wanted a fresh start,’’ said Sturm, who was acquired with Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart for Thornton on Wednesday. ‘‘ After the goal, I kind of felt free. I haven’t felt that way for a long time.’’
The crowd — which showed its displeasure with the trade of the popular Thornton with several signs — stood and applauded for the last 90 seconds.
Hannu Toivonen handed Ottawa its first shutout of the season. Sabres 3, Canadiens 2
MONTREAL — Brian Campbell scored 2: 15 into overtime as Buffalo beat Montreal for its fifth consecutive victory. Maple Leafs 4, Thrashers 0
ATLANTA — Mikael Tellqvist stopped 28 shots for his first career shutout and Darcy Tucker scored twice as Toronto beat Atlanta. Oilers 5, Canucks 3
EDMONTON, Alberta — Jarret Stoll scored two goals as Edmonton beat Vancouver. Flames 3, Red Wings 2
DETROIT — Tony Amonte scored a tiebreaking goal 19 seconds into the third period as Calgary defeated Detroit. Panthers 3, Capitals 2
SUNRISE, Fla. — Roberto Luongo stopped 36 shots to lead Florida by Washington. Rangers 2, Penguins 1
NEW YORK — Defensemen Marek Malik and Maxim Kondratiev scored as New York topped Pittsburgh to extend its winning streak to six games. Predators 2, Wild 1
NASHVILLE — Adam Hall and Jerred Smithson scored to help Nashville beat Minnesota. Blues 4, Blue Jackets 1
ST. LOUIS — Patrick Lalime stopped 25 shots as St. Louis beat Columbus in a battle of the NHL’s worst teams.
■ Phoenix sent goaltender Brian Boucher to San Antonio of the American Hockey League on a two- week conditioning assignment. He has not played since straining a groin muscle during the exhibition season.
■ Anaheim activated goalie Jean- Sebastien Giguere, who missed seven games because of a strained hamstring, and placed defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh on injured reserve.
■ Columbus center Gilbert Brule, who suffered a broken leg Wednesday against Minnesota, is expected to miss at least four weeks, the team said. The Blue Jackets also placed center Manny Malhotra ( back spasms) on injured reserve and activated goaltender Marc Denis.