Bourque A Ray Of Light In Bad Year

In the middle of one of the worst seasons in Boston Bruins history, Ray Bourque is providing some rare joy for their fans.

The veteran defenseman needs one point to pass John Bucyk and become the all-time leading scorer in the franchise’s 73-year history.

Bourque, who tied Bucyk’s 30-year-old team record of 1,339 points with a short-handed goal Thursday, will attempt to break the mark today in Tampa Bay.

“Passing a guy like Johnny Bucyk, who I am very good friends with and is a very classy guy, will be an honor,” said Bourque, 36, a 15-time All-Star.

Bucyk, a Hall of Fame left wing, set the record in 1,436 games with Boston from 1957-78. It took Bourque 173 fewer games to tie it.

Penguins make Klima a free agent

The Pittsburgh Penguins bought out the contract of left winger Petr Klima, leaving him free to sign with any team. Klima, 31, also played for Detroit, Edmonton and Tampa Bay over 12 NHL seasons, scoring 311 goals in 757 games.

Rangers’ Churla still on shelf

The New York Rangers said right wing Shane Churla will be out at least another two weeks with nagging left knee and groin injuries, further adding to the team’s toughness problem. Churla has been out since aggravating the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee two weeks ago.