NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS : Bruins Take a 2-0 Lead With Victory in Overtime

Vladimir Ruzicka has trouble with defense and the English language, but is showing great skill when it comes to offense.

He scored on a rebound at 8:14 of overtime after assisting on Bos ton’s other four goals and the Bruins beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-4, Friday night for a 2-0 lead in the Wales Conference finals.

The Bruins can reach the Stanley Cup finals for the third time in four years by winning Sunday and Tuesday nights in Pittsburgh. A fifth game in the-best-of-seven series, if necessary, would be in Boston next Thursday night.

Ruzicka came from Czechoslovakia last season to Edmonton but didn’t play there this season before being traded Oct. 22. He had a reputation as a scorer, but he had only eight goals and eight assists in 29 games for Boston and missed 40 games because of an ankle injury.

“I feel good,” Ruzicka said, happy that he is skating on a regular basis.

For three months, he didn’t skate.

“Now, it’s skate, skate, skate,” Ruzicka said.

In Boston’s first two playoff series, Ruzicka had a goal and four assists. But in two games against Pittsburgh, he has one goal and seven assists.

“We sometimes don’t realize what a great hero Vladimir Ruzicka is in his own country,” Boston Coach Mike Milbury said. “He’s a world-class player and he’s getting adjusted to this tempo.”

Pittsburgh Coach Bob Johnson said: “He’s a talented player. He’s got good hands.”

Ruzicka scored after Dave Christian back-handed a 25-footer from the left of the slot. Pittsburgh goalie Tom Barrasso saved it, but Ruzicka collected the rebound 10 feet to the right and put a forehand past the fallen goalie.

Boston sent the game into overtime on Craig Janney’s goal with 3:11 left in the third period, then outshot the Penguins, 8-1, in overtime after being behind, 33-22, in shots after three periods.

“It’s a tough one to swallow when you’re up 4-3,” Johnson said. “We deserved a better fate.”

The Bruins, who led the NHL with a 5-0-12 overtime record, are 1-2 in overtime playoff games.