NHL / STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS : Bruins Beat Penguins in Series Opener

The Boston Bruins slipped into Pittsburgh’s role, unleashing a potent offense in a 6-3 victory over the Penguins Wednesday night in the opening game of the Wales Conference finals.

The Penguins, the NHL’s second-highest scoring team in the regular season, managed only one goal in the last 51 minutes.

“It shows that we can score goals, too,” said Boston’s Bob Sweeney, who put the Bruins ahead for good, 3-2, at 3:23 of the second period. “People think we’re basically a defensive team.”

They were that, too, as goalie Andy Moog stopped 31 shots, and Boston’s aggressive checking kept the Penguins from other good opportunities. They scored only once in seven power plays.

“Our penalty killing was very aggressive. Nobody is allowed out there to have time with the puck,” Moog said.

Cam Neely scored two goals, boosting his playoff-leading total to 14. His linemates also excelled--Craig Janney had a goal and two assists, and Vladimir Ruzicka had three assists.

“The Penguins are a scary offensive team,” Boston Coach Mike Milbury said. “They have to be careful because our offense is pretty good, too.”

Sweeney, assigned to stay close to Mario Lemieux, scored his fourth playoff goal. Lemieux managed only one assist.

Boston, trying for its third berth in the Stanley Cup finals in four years, is home for Friday night’s second game of the best-of-seven series. It continues in Pittsburgh on Sunday.