Sports Minute: Here is the latest New England sports news from The Associated Press - News, Weather and Classifieds for Southern New England

Sports Minute: Here is the latest New England sports news from The Associated Press

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BOSTON (AP) - The Boston Bruins have taken a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. They beat the New York Rangers 5-2 yesterday. Johnny Boychuk broke a tie midway through the second period and the Bruins scored two goals in the third. Game 3 of the best-of-7 series will be played in New York tomorrow.

BOSTON (AP) - The Boston Bruins played their second straight game without injured veteran defenseman Andrew Ference, Dennis Seidenberg and Wade Redden. A Bruins defenseman got a goal or an assist on each of the team's goals in yesterday's 5-2 over the Rangers.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Boston Red Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 5-1 today for their fifth straight win. John Lackey allowed one hit over six innings before a three-hour rain delay and Dustin Pedroia and Will Middlebrooks homered.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Red Sox could get closer Andrew Bailey back this week. Bailey threw 17 pitches in one inning of a rehab appearance at AAA Pawtucket on Saturday night. Red Sox manager John Farrell says Bailey is on track to be activated today. He's been on the disabled list since May 6th with a right bicep strain.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Injured Red Sox catcher David Ross continues to improve. Ross is on the 7-day disabled list after suffering a concussion on May 11th. His clearance exam is scheduled for today. He's been replaced on the roster by Ryan Lavarnway, who has impressed manager John Farrell during his brief callup.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Red Sox begin a 3-game series today in Chicago against the White Sox. Jon Lester will head to the mound for Boston and Dylan Axelrod is scheduled to start for Chicago. The game gets underway at 8:10 p.m.

TODAY'S NEW ENGLAND SPORTS SCHEDULE:

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL:

Boston (Lester 6-0) at Chicago White Sox (Axelrod 1-3), 8:10 p.m.

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