Michael Ryder netted the game-winning goal on a penalty shot 12:31 into the third period as the Boston Bruins edged the Atlanta Thrashers, 3-2, at TD Garden on Saturday afternoon.
Boston (44-23-11), which is third in the Eastern Conference with 99 points, clinched the Northeast Division title with the victory. The Bruins have four games left in the regular season to improve their standings in the conference.
Mark Recchi put Boston on top with his 14th goal of the season 4:34 into the first period. Atlanta (33-33-12) answered on Dustin Byfuglien's 20th goal of the season on the power play, tying the game at one 11:11 into the opening period.
Evander Kane put Atlanta on top 2-1 just 1:37 into the second period. Daniel Paille knotted the score 6:18 into the second on his 18th goal, which was shorthanded, before Ryder potted the game-winner midway through the third.
Tuukka Rask had 28 saves for Boston while Ondrej Pavelec turned away 20 shots for Atlanta. Boston returns to the ice on Monday night when it faces the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.