The Boston Bruins are starting to believe their defensive system will net better results this season behind the play of goaltender Tim Thomas. Now they've got to find a way to continue it on the road. Thomas stopped 25 shotsm and Glen Metropolit scored the winner to lift the Bruins to a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders on Friday. It was the 12th time in 20 games this year the Bruins have scored two goals or fewer, but behind Thomas' play they've remained in the middle of the NHL's Eastern conference standings. "I think he's been extremely good for us from the start," Boston Coach Claude Julien said of his goalie. "Part of it is being in control of the shots. I know I keep preaching it, but guys are in control of things in front of him." Metropolit scored in the third period for the Bruins, who won for the fourth time in five games.