BOSTON — In the past, Brad Boyes would use the All-Star break to to go to a warm climate to relax and recharge the batteries for the stretch run.

This time around, the Boston Bruins forward decided he would be better suited for a trip home last week to Mississauga, Ontario. Instead of basking in the sun and dipping his toes in the warm water, Boyes laced up an pair of old skates that were too small and hurt his feet for a much-needed game of shinny on the pond with some friends.

Far away from the NHL, Boyes wanted — and needed — a chance to have some fun on the ice again.

The 24-year-old, who entered last night’s game against the New York Rangers with just one goal in his last 14 games, has been a streaky player during his professional career but has never battled through a drought like this one.

"Not even close to this," he said. "Hopefully, this is the first and last time I go through this. That’s why I’m finding it so hard to get out of it, because I’ve never been in this situation. Of course, I haven’t played well before when I didn’t score a couple of times, but at least I was producing, setting guys up and getting assists. This has been, by far, the worst."

Ever since his three-point performance (goal, two assists) against the Devils on Dec. 14, he has just four points (goal, three assists) in the last 18 games.

By his demeanor after the team’s game-day skate yesterday morning at the TD Banknorth Garden, you would never know he was bothered by his lack of performance on the stat sheet. But he said he’s been having trouble sleeping, and without any distractions, he’s been thinking and pressing too much.

Boyes said he’s been getting plenty of advice from coaches, teammates and friends, but the best came from his father, Bob.

"He told me, ‘You’re playing hockey for a living. You’re living a dream right now and don’t lose sleep over it.’ I have to take my first shift like it’s going to be my last one."

Despite his struggles, his teammates know he’s going to come around and contribute.

"As soon as he gets one goal, he’ll be back," said Patrice Bergeron. "He can put the puck in the net, that’s for sure. Sometimes you go through phases like that. It’s not like he’s not working. He’s the type of guy who works really hard."

That hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed by Bruins head coach Dave Lewis.

"There are signs [of him coming around]," he said. "He just hasn’t played this season with a lot of confidence. He can be more physical, and when he does that he gets himself into the game. He’s got a great shot and should shoot the puck more."

That’s advice Boyes has warmed up to.

Allen living a dream

In a room filled with professional hockey players, Bobby Allen stands out. A Hull, Mass. native and former Boston College star, the 28-year-old defenseman has spent — with the exception of one NHL game with the Edmonton Oilers in 2002 — his six-year pro career in the AHL. Originally selected by the Bruins with their second pick (52nd overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Allen began his pro career with the P-Bruins in 2001, but was traded to Edmonton for defenseman Sean Brown later that season. After spending parts of three seasons in the Oilers’ organization, he signed with New Jersey as a free agent and spent the last two seasons in Albany.

He signed with Boston as a free agent last summer and returned to Providence before he was recalled on Jan 16.

"It’s been fun, it really has," he said. "I think the awe of being in this room and playing in this building has worn off a little bit. Now, it’s just coming here and going to work. I’m just trying to have fun out there, and the biggest thing is that I’m starting to feel a little more comfortable."

Because he has quickly adjusted to this level, he doesn’t want to fall into the trap of getting too comfortable to a point where he loses that playing edge, the one that got him here in the first place.

"Every time I step on the ice it’s an audition," he said. "That’s how I have to look at it in order to stay here as long as possible. I have to be sharp all the time and almost mistake-free."

Prior to his promotion, Allen had five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 31 games, while posting a plus-4 rating for the P-Bruins.

Ice chips

Bruins athletic trainer Don DelNegro worked his 1,000th career game — all with Boston — last night. … Bergeron played his 200th career game last night. … P-Bruins defenseman Matt Lashoff played in the AHL All-Star Game last night in Toronto. He has been called up to Boston twice this season (12 games) and was the only representative of Providence in the All-Star Game. He also participated in the shootout portion of the skills competition on Sunday and scored a goal worthy of any highlight reel.

jmcdonal@projo.com