NHL ROUNDUP : Rookie Lacher Impressive in Nets for Unbeaten Bruins

The Boston Bruins are off to a good start thanks to the play of rookie goaltender Blaine Lacher.

“He made big, big saves when he had to,� Bruin Coach Brian Sutter said Monday night after Lacher (LOCK-er) helped the Bruins to a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers at New York. “He’s a competitor--very cool.�

Lacher, a walk-on prospect fresh out of college, turned aside 29 shots in his second consecutive strong performance. He had 19 saves in the Bruins’ 4-1 season-opening victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday.

“They’ve been two of the best days of my life,� Lacher said. “Tonight, I thought I kicked out a couple of bad rebounds and Donnie Sweeney was there every time to pick me up.�

Sweeney not only played good defense in front of Lacher, but scored the winning goal in the third period.

Lacher gave up only a second-period goal to Stephane Matteau.

“We saw the highlights of yesterday’s game between Boston and Philly and he played pretty well,� Ranger captain Mark Messier said of Lacher. “He could have been a little nicer and let one in for us.�

Lacher, a graduate of Lake Superior State who signed as a free agent, had played in only one minor-league game before starting the season for the Bruins.

Pittsburgh 6, Miami 5--Joe Mullen scored twice as the Penguins scored three goals in a 3:23 span in the third period at Miami.

Winnipeg 5, Chicago 3--Tim Cheveldae stopped 40 shots to help the Jets win at Winnipeg despite being outshot, 43-20.