BOSTON — This was Tim Thomas’ turn to take control of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
After watching Carolina goalie Cam Ward dominate three straight games and push Boston to the brink of elimination, Thomas stop-ped 19 shots for his first NHL playoff shutout and helped the Bruins keep their season going with a 4-0 victory over the Hurricanes in Game 5 on Sunday night.
“Timmy deserved the kind of night he had tonight,” Bruins coach Claude Julien said. “He’s been peppered with a lot of shots in the games before that. Maybe his teammates felt they owed it to him, to give him an easier night. They did a great job in front of him.”
Phil Kessel scored twice, Milan Lucic had a goal and an assist, and Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard each had two assists for Boston.
Ward made 36 saves for the ‘Canes, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. Game 6 is Tuesday at Carolina.
“We get to go back home in front of our fans and hopefully get the job done in six,” the ‘Canes’ Eric Staal said.
Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward left the game with what the team fears is a broken orbital bone after he was punched by Carolina’s Scott Walker. Julien suggested the NHL take a look at the play.
