Prusek makes 20 saves

OTTAWA (AP) -- Boston defenseman Nick Boynton certainly didn't try to put a positive spin on the Bruins' 4-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.

"It's tough when we play like that, like garbage," Boynton said. "We were going pretty good. It's embarrassing when you play like that."

Martin Havlat had two goals and two assists, and Martin Prusek made 20 assists to help the Senators end the Bruins' seven-game unbeaten streak. Boston's last loss also was to the Senators, on Dec. 30.

"I think (Havlat's) playing really well," Senators coach Jacques Martin said. "He's using his speed, his quickness, and he's working hard. He's been responsible."

Brian Pothier and Wade Redden also scored for Ottawa, a point behind Philadelphia and Toronto for the Eastern Conference lead.

"It's very important right now to gain ground," Senators defenseman Zdeno Chara said. "The standings are so close you have to always be looking ahead. You want to have some room by the time March comes around."

Pothier opened the scoring midway through the first period with his first goal of the season, beating goalie Felix Potvin on his glove side. Redden made it 2-0 on a power-play 40 seconds into the second, and Havlat added a power play-goal at 1:57.

"We can do a better job staying disciplined and staying focused," Bruins coach Mike Sullivan said. "It's important against teams like Ottawa to have a good start."

Havlat scored his second goal of the night at 7:17 of the third, beating Potvin with a one-timer.

"With the way we're playing right now we give ourselves a chance to win every night," Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson said. "We want to keep climbing. This was a four-point game and we got a bit more room against Boston, but we have to keep pushing."

Game notes
A sellout crowd of 18,500 filled the Corel Centre. ... Boston center Brian Rolston played in his 700th NHL game. ... The Bruins had not allowed a power-play goal in six games.