Despite the fact that he scored a goal in Wednesday night's 6-1 victory over New Jersey, Nathan Horton is still struggling to find his game. The big forward has registered only five points in the Bruins' last 12 contests. What is more concerning is that Horton has directed only eight shots on goal over that span. That is unacceptable for a top-line winger, especially when his linemates (David Krejci and Milan Lucic) have been playing well. If Horton does not improve over the next couple of weeks, look for Boston coach Claude Julien to move him down to the third line.

Boston coach Claude Julien believes that is only a matter of time before Nathan Horton starts capitalizing on his chances. "I think he's coming along," said Julien. "The thing is, he's gotten some opportunities to score. He's been a little snake-bitten as far as the finishing part of it. That's the reason for some of the frustration. He's off to a slower start, but we understand that sometimes guys who go through what he went through last year with the concussion take some time to find their game." Horton collected two assists in Wednesday's triumph over Toronto to give him 16 points in 23 games this season.

Nathan Horton has contributed one assist in his past four games. However, coach Claude Julien isn't all that concerned because the team is playing well at the moment and Horton, as well as linemates, are getting their chances. "If they were playing badly, spending most of their time in our own end, or being lazy and not having anything happening, it would be a different situation," Julien said. "But I think they're getting their chances. Look at Horton the other night. If he had it on his stick, he would have an open net. It slipped off his stick. A lot of good things are happening. Right now, whether it's a little snakebitten or lacking a little bit of confidence in that area, I like their work ethic. With time, I'm sure it's going to turn around." David Krejci hasn't scored in his last nine games, while Milan Lucic has gone eight contests without a goal.

Nathan Horton was the first star of the game in a 6-2 Boston win over the New York Islanders Monday night. Horton potted two goals and also registered an assist and now has eight points in 13 games on the season. The talented winger has been slow to get up to speed since recovering from a concussion and should get back on track any day now. Tonight was a great performance. He should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Coach Claude Julien understands that Nathan Horton's slow start may have something to do with the winger's return to action from the concussion he sustained during the playoffs. "I think anybody who comes back from that and has missed that amount of time is going to be slow coming back," said Julien. "It's almost a natural process. You saw [Patrice] Bergeron take almost half a year, three-quarters of a year." Horton has five points and 26 penalty minutes in 11 games so far this campaign and he admitted to not feeling exactly like himself just yet.

Nathan Horton has joined Milan Lucic and David Krejci on the Bruins' top line. The Bruins have mixed and matched lines this season in hopes of generating a spark. With the team at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, this was expected. This line has played together already this season with little success. If they struggle out of the gate again, expect a change.

Nathan Horton skated with Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron at practice on Wednesday. He received 16 minutes in penalties, including three roughing minors, for going after Carolina defensemen Tim Gleason and Jay Harrison on Tuesday night. Horton's actions helped put the game out of reach in the third period and the Bruins have been talking about mixing it up as well. Milan Lucic, Chris Kelly and Tyler Seguin skated as the team's top line during the session.

Nathan Horton finally scored his first goal of the season. The hulking winger has been slow to get up to speed since recovering from a concussion and had registered only one assist in four games before Saturday night's goal against the Blackhawks. Hopefully, he is getting his game legs and will be more productive going forward.

Nathan Horton has one shot on goal in three games to open the season. His linemates David Krejci (one goal) and Milan Lucic (one assist) have found their ways onto the scoresheet, but he has been unable to create much of anything for himself offensively so far. Horton frustrated fantasy owners for portions of last season as well, so this shouldn't come as a shocker. Still, he will need to be much better and usually picks up points when his physicality increases. In the meantime, the Bruins are considering shaking up their top line following a 1-2-0 start to 2011-12 and Tyler Seguin may end up taking Horton's place We'll keep you posted.

Nathan Horton made his first appearance of the preseason on Sunday. The contest was his first since suiting up in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final when he suffered a concussion. Horton has been healthy since the beginning of training camp, but he admitted to being a little nervous about returning to the ice. With those jitters out of the way, he should be better prepared for the start of the regular season.