Final: Washington 5, Bruins 3

When you dig yourself a 3-0 hole against one of the best teams in the league through 40 minutes, only a perfect final period can produce a victorious comeback.

The Bruins failed to pair their valiant third-period effort with perfection tonight, as they fell 5-3 at Washington after rallying to tie the score on two power-play goals and a Shawn Thornton breakaway score.

Here’s a quick glance at the box score:

•Zdeno Chara was a minus-4 and Andrew Ference a minus-3. More disturbing was Chara’s two hits. He has to be more physical in games against Alexander Ovechkin and Co.

•Tim Thomas was hung out to dry and head coach Claude Julien spared him the third period. The move worked in terms of momentum. Tuukka Rask’s first action since Oct. 23 resulted in 12 saves on 13 shots.

•After going point-less in his first two games this season against the Bruins, Ovechkin registered a goal and an assist.