Moog Sharp in Goal, Bourque Back on Ice as Bruins Eliminate Whalers

Sparked by the surprising return of Ray Bourque and the goaltending of Andy Moog, the Boston Bruins advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 3-1, seventh-game victory over the Hartford Whalers Tuesday night.

Bourque, who was expected to miss his fifth consecutive game with a left hip bruise, had one assist and was on the ice for all three Boston goals. Moog stopped 27 shots.

The Bruins open the best-of-seven Adams Division final at home Thursday night against Montreal. Boston avoided becoming the first team since the 1970-71 Bruins to lose in the opening round after compiling the best regular-season record.

Boston led, 2-0, after one period on goals by John Byce, in his second NHL game, and Craig Janney. Cam Neely made it 3-0 at 15:22 of the second period on a give-and-go play with Janney.