NHL: Phoenix 2, Boston 1

Ilya Bryzgalov allowed only a first-period goal Thursday and made 25 saves, carrying the Phoenix Coyotes to a 2-1 victory over the slumping Boston Bruins.

Boston, which still owns a six-point lead over New Jersey for the best record in the Eastern Conference, has lost nine of its last 12 games. Phoenix won for just the fourth time in 16 outings.

Bryzgalov surrendered a goal to Chuck Kobasew 7:09 into the game and was perfect the rest of the way while needing to kill off just three Boston power-play chances.

Scottie Upshall tied it with 7:59 to play in the first and Steve Reinprecht scored the game-winning goal 7:52 into the second.

Phoenix acquired Upshall and a second-round draft pick from Philadelphia prior to Wednesday’s trade deadline, in exchange for Daniel Carcillo, the league leader in penalty minutes.

This was the first contest in a season-long, five-game Phoenix road trip.