Ageless Rolston playing like a kid

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March 28, 2012

Ageless Rolston playing like a kid

By Christopher Smith csmith@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Wed Mar 28, 2012, 02:09 AM EDT

BOSTON — Attention Bruins fans: 39-year-old Brian Rolston has three goals and nine assists in his past seven games.

This after recording no goals and just one assist in his first nine games after being traded here Feb. 27.

That is making some of his teammates question whether he is actually 39.

"I don't think he's 39," linemate Chris Kelly said. "Maybe 29."

Rolston assisted Benoit Pouliot's game-winning shot in the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie.

The Bruins went on to win 5-2 over the Tampa Bay Lightning here at the TD Garden.

One thing is for sure: Rolston is a veteran. He's been in the NHL since Feb. 5, 1992 — five days after Tyler Seguin's third birthday.

"I would never tell him anything," Kelly said.

Rolston knows how to put the puck in the net and set up his teammates, too. He has 759 career points.

"I knew (Rolston) when he played on Minnesota (2005-08)," Kelly said. "I happened to block one of his shots and it dented my shin pad. So obviously, you know he can shoot the puck. And he can put the puck in the net. And he gets around the ice extremely well.

"That talent has always been there. It hasn't gone anywhere. Maybe with the Islanders, they used him in a different capacity. I'm not sure how they used him but I'm happy he's here with us."

Rolston scored only four goals and added just five assists 49 games for the Islanders this year before the trade.

With Boston he has three goals and 10 assists in 16 games.

"I've produced over my career and whatever happened in Long Island happened in Long Island and I'm past that now," Rolston said.

Rolston actually played a little with Pouliot when both were with the Minnesota Wild.

"He has got a ton of talent," Rolston said. "Very smart. Fun to play with. I think we have some good chemistry together. Obviously, playing with two great players helps out a lot."

Chara honored

Before the game, captain and defenseman Zdeno Chara was honored for playing in his 1,000th NHL game last Saturday.

Chara then took care of business, recording two assists in the victory. He now has 47 points this season.

The most points he has ever posted in one season is 51. That was back during 2007-08, his second season with Boston.

Winning streak

Chara said Boston is on the right track.

The Bruins have won five of their past six games.

They have just six regular-season games remaining.

Their regular season wraps up April 7.