Eastern leaders Bruins crush Hurricanes

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Boston Bruins crushed the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 at the Banknorth Garden on Saturday to maintain their lead at the top of the NHL''s Eastern Conference.

Czech David Krejci and Canadian Stephane Yelle put the home side 2-0 up in the first period before taking total control of the game in the second.

Mark Stuart made it 3-0 in the fourth minute of the second period before Canadian Michael Ryder struck twice - both on assists by the impressive Krejci.

With the game effectively over before the third period, Carolina managed a consolation goal through Justin Williams.

(Reporting by Simon Evans in Miami; editing by Justin Palmer)