Todd Bertuzzi isn't the dominant, high-scoring, premier power forward he was several years ago in Vancouver, but he remains a vital part of a Stanley Cup-contending team, a player whose effectiveness is not gauged solely by his output.

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock judges Bertuzzi more by how well he is skating and holding onto the puck and how engaged he is physically.

Bertuzzi has been in peak form the last two games, scoring twice in each contest as the Wings swept a home-and-home series against Boston.

"When he's skating, when he's competing, when he's being strong on the puck, it's real hard to get it off him," Babcock said. "Sometimes when he gets carried away making skill plays vs. just being a big man, he's not as good. When he's playing like he is right now he's fantastic."

The Wings hope Bertuzzi continues his roll Thursday in Tampa Bay against the high-scoring Lightning.

Regardless of what else he is doing, Bertuzzi still feels the need to score. He had just one goal and three assists in 14 games before this outburst.

"I just seemed to be in the right spots," Bertuzzi said. "I'm skating better. I feel I got my legs back. I wasn't playing well there for a little while. It's nice to finally get some speed, hold onto the puck and make plays."

RED WINGS 4, BRUINS 2: The Wings played another complete game and both ends of the ice to sweep the home-and-home series. Detroit spent a lot of time in the offensive zone, its forwards were hard on the Bruins defense, and it limited Boston's second chances. Todd Bertuzzi recorded his second straight two-goal game. Kris Draper scored on a breakaway to snap a 2-2 tie at 12:44 of the second period.

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