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Bryzgalov solid in net as Coyotes edge slumping Bruins

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Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Ilya Bryzgalov was solid between the pipes, making 25 saves, and Steven Reinprecht's second-period goal proved to be the difference, as the Phoenix Coyotes edged the slumping Boston Bruins, 2-1, at TD Banknorth Garden.

Newly acquired Scottie Upshall tallied in his debut for Phoenix, which snapped a three-game losing streak and won for just the fourth time in its last 16 games.

Chuck Kobasew found the net for the Bruins, who have lost nine of their last 12 contests. Tim Thomas allowed two goals on 18 shots in defeat.

Kobasew staked the Bruins to a 1-0 lead at 7:09 of the first period, then Upshall, one of the fresh faces obtained from Philadelphia before Wednesday's trade deadline, paid immediate dividends to his new club, tying the score on the power play.

Phoenix left winger Joakim Lindstrom forced a turnover deep in the Boston zone. Upshall reeled in the loose puck and lifted a backhander that beat Thomas with 7:59 to play in the opening frame.

The visitors took the lead when Reinprecht, uncovered in the low slot, elevated a feed from newcomer Nigel Dawes past Thomas at the 7:52 mark of the middle stanza. Dawes was part of the deal that sent defenseman Derek Morris to the New York Rangers.

Boston hounded Bryzgalov relentlessly over the final 20 minutes, firing 11 shots, and was awarded a power play with 1:38 to go in the game after Phoenix novice Viktor Tikhonov committed an elbow infraction. The Bruins pulled Thomas to create a 6-on-4 advantage, but couldn't produce the equalizer.

Game Notes

The Coyotes made their first visit to Beantown since December 11, 2005...Phoenix, which began a season-high five-game road trip, will visit Buffalo on Friday...Boston closes out its six-game residency Saturday against Chicago.

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