Stanley Cup Playoffs : Bourque Lifts Bruins to 5-3 Win

Ray Bourque’s tiebreaking goal at 5:56 of the third period spoiled the New Jersey Devils’ rally from three goals down and sparked the Boston Bruins to a 5-3 victory in the opener of the Wales Conference finals Monday night.

Game 2 is Wednesday night in Boston.

New Jersey goalie Bob Sauve saved a wide-open 15-foot shot by Keith Crowder, but the rebound popped back into the slot and Bourque lifted a 10-footer over the sprawling goalie.

Bourque’s goal came three minutes after the Devils’ Tom Kurvers tied the game, 3-3, ending Boston’s streak of 37 consecutive shorthanded situations without allowing a goal.

Ken Linseman scored Boston’s final goal with 3:55 left.

Kurvers and Jack O’Callahan scored in a span of 2:19 in the second period make it 3-2.

Craig Janney gave Boston its 3-0 lead at 9:40 of the second period. Glen Wesley scored in the first period, and Steve Kasper added a goal early in the second period.