Bruins 3, Maple Leafs 1

BOSTON (AP) -Toronto blew a third-period again, allowing Boston to get its fourth straight win against the Maple Leafs.

Brad Stuart, Wayne Primeau, and Patrice Bergeron each scored in the final period and the Bruins beat Toronto 3-1 on Thursday night.

"It seems like we step up our game when we play against them," Bruins goalie Tim Thomas said.

Thomas had 23 saves for the Bruins, who won for the fifth time in six games. The Maple Leafs lost their sixth straight and have only two wins in their last 11.

Toronto has been outscored 18-2 during its losing streak and blew two-goal leads in the final period of its previous two games before playing Boston.

"When the losses add up like they have, we've got to find a way to right the ship," Maple Leafs defenseman and former Bruin Hal Gill said.

Primeau scored the game-winning goal with 5:53 remaining when he knocked the rebound of a shot by Mark Mowers past Maple Leafs goalie Jean-Sebastien Aubin.

"They (Toronto) are having a tough time right now," Stuart said. "We have a lot of confidence right now and our goaltending has been a huge part of that."

Patrice Bergeron added an insurance goal with 1:19 left for Boston.

Toronto scored only one goal against the Bruins for the fourth straight game. The teams were playing for the fifth time in 28 days.

"We have to compete harder," Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice said. "Every guy has to finish more checks, control rebounds and have more ownership of our situation."

Stuart got Boston even at 1-1 with 9:47 remaining when his wrist shot beat Aubin over the right shoulder.

Jeff O'Neill scored the lone goal for the Maple Leafs. His slap shot caromed off the boards into the goal crease and he then tipped the puck into an open net while Thomas was out of position at the 5:04 mark of the second period.

Aubin hasn't won since Nov. 5 and has beaten the Bruins once in nine tries.

Stuart has five points in the last three games including two third-period goals in Boston's victory against Montreal on Monday.

Shean Donovan added two assists for Boston, which has yet to be shutout this season.

Notes: Tomas Kaberle has no goals in 11 games despite being second on Toronto on points. ... Thomas made his 20th consecutive start and has never lost to the Leafs in regulation. ... P.J. Axelsson missed his third straight game with a foot injury. ... Despite winning records, both Boston and Toronto have been outscored this season at even strength.