Posted by Gayle Simone, Sun Staff

Third period woes continue to plague the Bruins, and they came close to blowing a 4-0 lead they had built, but they were able to hold off the Blackhawks for the 5-3 win. The win moved the Black and Gold up to the six spot in the Eastern Conference.

What is it with the Bs lately not being able to hold leads in the third period? It's so frustrating and to be honest with you last night's game was an extremely boring game up until the third and then it didn't get exciting, it got frustrating.

Tim Thomas made 37 saves again last night while the Bs only had 20 total shots on goal for the entire game - now scoring 5 goals on 20 shots is not too shabby.

Thank God Marc Savard got the empty net power play goal for insurance! Which is great for me because he's one of my centers on my fantasy team. I think I might have mentioned that before....anyway, Savard had had his 7-game point streak snapped in Columbus the other night.
Along with the empty netter, Savvy added an assist for his fourth multipoint game in the last five. BTW, anyone ever notice how short Savvy is compared to his teammates? I mean granted they all look short standing next to Zdeno Chara, but look at the pic of Savard with Glen Murray and PJ Axelsson - he's looks so small LOL. Sorry, I just had a RUDY moment pop into my head, when he runs out on the field for the final game and his friend yells out "he looks so little."

Bergy was outstanding again as usual - he's now registered at least a point in 10 straight games.

What was it with the music being played at the United Center? They need to update their song list over there, I think the music player must be extremely old and boring - JMO.

It has been confirmed that Hannu Toivonen is getting the start tonight against the Predators - that seems to scare me a bit.

George and I were chatting last night while we were watching the game and he said he hopes Toivonen gets lit up in the first period so Dave Lewis is forced to pull him. I disagreed - I said I hope he does well so he can become trade bait!!!!

I thought that Brad Boyes was pretty nonexistent last night and I really wouldn't mind if Lewis moved him down a line. Maybe that would jump start him.

Good news on rookie Phil Kessel - he started skating yesterday morning and was scheduled to be on the ice again today. Good to hear that he is doing well.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Hope everyone has a fun and safe night.... see ya in 2007.I resolve to spend more time blogging about the rest of the hockey world, not just the Bruins. What are your resolutions?