Final score: Bruins 3, Washington 2

The Bruins survived against the Caps.

BOSTON — For years HBO has aired both high-quality dramas and comedies.

Tonight, the Bruins’ third against Washington was a joke but they still pulled out a dramatic victory — perfect for the 24/7 HBO cameras.

Tim Thomas was the lead actor in a dramatic role, as he made 39 saves on 41 shots, including 25 of 26 in the last stanza, to preserve the 3-2 victory at TD Garden.

Boston, which snapped a three-game losing streak, was outshot, 26-2 in the third.

Here’s a quick glance at the score sheet:

•Blake Wheeler and Patrice Bergeron registered a goal and an assist each.

•Adam McQuaid nearly registered a “Gordie Howe hat trick” with a fight and an assist.

•The Bruins did not earn a power play all night, while their penalty kill extinguished Washington’s lone man-advantage of the game.

•Forward Brad Marchand took his last shift late in the second period and did not return for the third. Head coach Claude Julien said Marchand is day-to-day. He did not disclose the ailment.