Tilt Against Rangers 'Another Game' For Bruins

BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston Bruins held an optional skate Tuesday as they prepare to host the first place New York Rangers at the Garden.

While the game is against the only team ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings, the Bruins are viewing it as just another game and just another test.

"It's another game for us. They're ahead of us in the standings, so it'll be a good test for us. It's a clique but it's true," said forward Shawn Thornton. "They've been playing really well all year.  They're a team that we had a good game against last time. We're kind of built the same way, so I'm excited for it."

Shawn Thornton Pre Rangers 

The Rangers currently hold a seven point lead over the Bruins for the top spot in the East. The two last met January 21, a 3-2 overtime loss by the B's in Boston. The Bruins have gone 4-4 since then, while the Rangers added to their conference lead going 6-2.

Read: Bruins-Rangers Preview

They would love to cut into the Rangers' lead, but the Bruins are focusing more on staying consistent and building off Saturday's victory over the Nashville Predators.

"There's a lot to feel good about after Saturday afternoon's game. The main thing right now is we want to sustain what we built," said forward Milan Lucic. "A lot of it had to do with we were moving our feet, hard on the puck and spent a lot of time in the offense zone. That was us being on top of our game and making good strong plays."

"You can't do it for one game and not do it for the next, especially against a team like this," said Lucic. "You have to bring your best in order to beat the best, as they are in the Eastern Conference."

Chris Kelly Pre Rangers 

"You play for the standings. They'll always be important. They're playing well and we want to come out and have a great effort; try to move closer to them," said center Chris Kelly. "That's our main focus; coming out and having that consistent effort. I thought we played extremely well against Nashville. Their goalie played well and they scored goals at big times but for us to battle back and find a way, that was something to build on. Hopefully we continue that."

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Tim Thomas was the first goalie off the ice, likely meaning he will be between the pipes Tuesday night.

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