Despite an overtime loss, the Boston Bruins still earned a postseason berth during a 2-1 decision against the St. Louis Blues Wednesday night Scottrade Center. The Bruins have earned points in 10 of their last 12 games with an 8-0-2 record.
Injury counter: Add Torey Krug to the list of players out of the lineup. He's out tonight and Paul Postma, recently recalled from Providence, will play. So, that means, Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, David Backes, Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, Rick Nash and Krug are all sidelined.
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 will be in the lineup against the Blues.
Observations from first period
- Maybe Nos. 63 and 88 can handle things tonight.
- Providence Journal hockey guru, Mark Divver, reported earlier today that 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.
- This can't be an easy game for Postma because of his limited NHL action this season.
- Kevan Miller has been close the last couple of games, so he's due for one soon.
- Bruins get the first PP of the game. Sean Kuraly draws the penalty.
- Donato goes to the net, picks up the loose puck and drives home his second goal in as many games to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal.
- Crazy to think that I covered Brent Thompson and Ted Donato at the start of my career and now their sons Tage and Ryan are playing against each other in this game.
- As a hockey fan, it's so much fun to watch Matt Grzelcyk play this game.
- I could go for a McQuaid bout.
- Good defensive layers early in the period for Boston.
- Khudobin's reaction when he can't find the puck is awesome.
- Stick-to-puck defense is such a talent. Many Bruin defensemen do it so well.
- Other than Sidney Crosby, find me another player who has more patience with the puck than Krejci.
- I'm telling you, Miller is gonna get one very soon.
- Krejci could be added to injury list very soon. That's a terrible hit.
- Can't believe that's only a two-minute penalty.
- Khudobin making timely saves. With three minutes remaining in the period, I'm calling a 1-0 shutout for the Bruins.
- At some point in the playoffs, Tommy Wingels will have a major impact with the way he plays. He once did the same for the Sharks.
- There are so many players on the Bruins that deserve to wear a letter on their sweater and no doubt Miller is one of them.
- Khudobin will not let in a goal. Of course, I just jinxed him.
- Boston defensively sound, which should lead to another goal.
- See, jinxed him. Blues tie it at 1-1.
- That's a lot of traffic to see the puck.
- Blues owning the attack.
- With the game going to overtime the Bruins will earn at least one point, which means they're going to the playoffs.