Pens collapse against Bruins

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

The Boston Bruins probably figured their dramatic comeback win in Pittsburgh on Nov. 10 was a once-in-a-season accomplishment. Two months to the day, they pulled off a similar rally in the same arena.

Mark Recchi scored the third of the Bruins’ four goals in the final 31/2 minutes to cap their second frantic rally in two visits to Pittsburgh, and Boston beat the Sidney Crosby-less Penguins 4-2 on Monday night.

Gregory Campbell added an empty-netter and set up two goals for the Bruins, who matched their earlier rally that turned a 4-2 deficit in the third period into a 7-4 win over the Penguins in November.

Boston’s second victory in six games came after the Bruins squandered a 2-0 lead with 21/2 minutes left Saturday and lost 3-2 in overtime to Montreal.

“In hockey, those things happen and usually over the course of the year you win some and lose some that way,” said Tuukka Rask, who made 23 saves. “Back-to-back situations like this, it doesn’t usually happen. But we made it happen.”

Pittsburgh is 0-2-1 without NHL scoring leader Crosby, who is out with a concussion caused by hits to the head from Washington’s David Steckel and Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman in consecutive games.

“We miss him a lot — he’s the best player in the league,” Penguins defenseman Kris Letang said. “Obviously, we want him back in the lineup. But it’s not a reason to blow a 2-0 lead.”

After Jordan Staal drew a holding penalty, Recchi gave the Bruins a 3-2 lead with his 200th power-play goal, putting in a rebound of Michael Ryder’s short wrist shot from in front.

“Frustrating,” Fleury said. “It was tough at the end there, there’s not much time left and they kept coming at us. It’s tough to let that one go.”