Summary – Daniel Alfredsson recorded a hat trick and Mike Fisher added three assists as the Ottawa Senators handled the Bruins, 5-1, in the MLK Day matinee at TD Garden. While Patrice Bergeron [thumb] and Dennis Wideman returned from injuries, the Bruins were forced to play without forwards Byron Bitz, Steve Begin and Marco Sturm. Those three are in addition to Marc Savard and Andrew Ference, both already on the injured list. The Bruins broke through five minutes into the third on Daniel Paille’s sixth goal of the season. The Senators beat the Bruins for the first time in five meetings this season.

Three Stars

Daniel Alfredsson – Recorded a hat trick in his second game back from a left shoulder injury that forced him to miss 11 games over three weeks. He has four goals and two assists in his return.

Mike Fisher – His play-making was evident throughout. He assisted on the first three Ottawa goals.

Filip Kuba – He tallied two assists and played a terrific two-way game, never allowing the short-handed Bruins to get any momentum going.

Turning Point

Blake Wheeler, playing the role of San Diego Chargers kicker Nick Kaeding, fired wide left in the first period, setting a rush the other way for the Senators. That rush resulted in the game’s first goal at 7:39 of the first by Alex Kovalev. The Bruins never seemed the same after.

Key Play

With Alfredsson on the doorstep to the right of Tim Thomas, Kuba found Alfredsson with a beautiful pass from the right point and the goal turned a 2-0 game into a 3-0 affair in the second period. It marked the end of the day for Thomas after six saves on nine shots and 30 minutes of play and the end of any realistic chance the Bruins had on the day.