BSJ Game Report: Blues 2, Bruins 1 (OT) -- Boston earns postseason berth

It's an 82-game schedule and every point is crucial. Despite a 2-1 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues Wednesday night at Scottrade Center, the Boston Bruins clinched a 2018 Stanley Cup playoff berth for the second consecutive season.

Everything else you need to know from the Bruins' loss in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis. 

HEADLINES

Dancing: What was thought to be a "bridge" season, the Bruins have earned a second consecutive postseason berth with the potential (if everyone is healthy) for a deep playoff run. It's impressive that the Bruins have earned points in 10 of their last 12 games with an 8-0-2 record.

Backstop: Anton Khudobin has done an outstanding job this season in the backup role. It's actually cool that he was in net when the Bruins earned a postseason berth. He made numerous timely saves to keep the Bruins in this game and despite the loss in OT, Khudobin still played well. He'll likely get at least two more starts the rest of the regular season.

School daze: After a triumphant NHL debut during Monday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Blue Jackets, rookie Ryan Donato was excused from Tuesday's practice in St. Louis because of a class commitment at Harvard. He traveled to St. Louis Tuesday night, participated in the team's optional morning skate and then scored Boston's only goal. He has two goals and two assists for four points in two games.

TURNING POINT 

OT Downer: Thankfully, playoff hockey does not go to 3-on-3 overtime. With the loss against the Blues, the Bruins are 5-8 this season in OT.

THREE UP 

Kevan Miller: With injuries on the back end to Zdeno Chara, Charlie McAvoy and Torey Krug, others need to step up. Enter Miller. He's produced the best season of his NHL career and he was on point again in this game against the Blues at both ends of the ice. He was physical and engaged from start to finish. There's a reason he was wearing an 'A' on his sweater.

David Krejci: Similar to Miller, Krejci has flipped that switch and is contributing at both ends of the ice. It's impressive how he's been able to play, considering he's been dealing with a back issue the entire season. He's crashing the net and playing well defensively too.

Paul Postma: Prior to this game, he last played for the Bruins on Dec. 13, a span of 43 games. He was thrust into the lineup because Krug was a last-minute scratch. It couldn't have been an easy game for Postma, but he handled it well.

ONE DOWN

Brayden Schenn: No doubt a suspension should be coming for his hit to the head on Krejci at 14:03 of the second period. Schenn was given a minor penalty for charging, but there should be more to come from the department of player safety.

NOT ON THE SCORE SHEET

Got to want it: Providence Journal hockey guru, Mark Divver, reported earlier today that Patrice Bergeron practiced with the P-Bruins. Good sign that he's close. Once he returns, Boston's top line is going to be ridiculously potent.

UP NEXT

The Bruins' road trip continues when they head to Dallas to face the Stars on Friday at American Airlines Center.