Bruins blank Lightning to reach Cup Finals since '90

**Admin** Sat May 28, 2011 4:03 am

Vezina Trophy finalist Tim Thomas stopped every shot and gave the Boston Bruins a chance for the biggest prize of all—the Stanley Cup after they beat the Tampa Bay Lightning, 1-0 on Nathan Horton’s goal with 7:33 left in the penalty-free Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Thomas made 24 saves in his third career playoff shutout and second of the Lightning series. Horton’s goal spoiled an outstanding game by Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson, who stopped 37 shots.

The Bruins will open the Stanley Cup Finals in Vancouver against the Western Conference champion Canucks this Wednesday night at 8 pm ET.

Boston won its most recent championship in 1972 and hadn’t reached the Finals since 1990, the year they lost to the Edmonton Oilers.