In the battle of #1 vs #2 in the NHL Atlantic Division, score it a 3-0 win for the #2 Boston Bruins.

The B's handed Tampa bay its first shutout loss of the season. Tuukka Rask stopped all 23 shots as the Bruins played smothering defense all night.

Meanwhile, the Boston offense got powerplay goals for David Backes and Riley Nash, and another score from David Patrnak.

The victory puts the Bruins at 45-17-8, good for 98 points in the standings and just two points behind the Lightning.

NOTE: Backes left the game after a skate blade cut his leg under his knee. The team said it required 18 stiches and it is unknown how long he will be out of the action.

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