NHL scores 2016: Commanding victory gives Bruins breathing room away from wild card

Bruins fans can breathe a bit easier. And so can their team, because thanks to Boston's 5-1 victory over the Penguins, the Bruins are out of the Wild Card and into the fray for the top spot in the Atlantic.

Coming into Wednesday's rivalry game on NBCSN, the Bruins had just a two point lead over the Penguins in the Wild Card race. The Eastern Conference match was a very important one, even with 20-plus games left in the season. Teams are starting to run out of real estate and now more than ever, every point counts.

What once was a two point lead is now irrelevant as the Bruins are tied with the Lightning at 72 points for second best in the Atlantic, just three points behind the Florida Panthers for the top spot.

Pittsburgh, on the other hand, now has to hold the Devils at bay -- who are right on the Penguins heels at a one point deficit -- while trying to make up the three point ground behind the Islanders for third in the Metropolitan Division.

For the Bruins, it was really a one man show until the third period. Two goals from David Pastrnak slowed down the Penguins, coupled with some great play from goaltender Tuukka Rask and a bit of luck. Then, three goals on three shots in the third period put the Penguins away for good as the Bruins swept the season series of their black and gold rivals from Pittsburgh.

Series cumulative score: 14-3, Boston. Maybe that WAS Crosby with Letang in the pregame Hyundai ad. And the bear DID eat them.

— Jack Edwards (@RealJackEdwards) February 25, 2016

Sometimes that's just how the cookie crumbles, Pittsburgh. Sadly, this cookie crumbled at quite the inopportune time.

Montreal Canadiens 4, Washington Capitals 3
Boston Bruins 5, Pittsburgh Penguins 1
Colorado Avalanche 4, San Jose Sharks 3 (SO)
Anaheim Ducks 1, Buffalo Sabres 0

And to the Canadiens no less! A late two-goal push almost had Montreal, but the visitors held strong as Mike Condon shut the Capitals down with 33 saves. Even better? Condon looked good all night for Montreal, even submitting his ballot for save of the year on a sideways blocker stop.

Both Nick Spaling of the Sharks and Shawn Matthias of the Avalanche were playing their first games in their new uniforms after being traded from the Maple Leafs earlier this week. What a better way to get the ball rolling than for both of them to score in their first games with their respective teams.

The #Canadiens get just their 4th road win- but just the 2nd in regulation- since Nov 27 (a span of 19 games) as they beat the #Capitals 4-3

— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) February 25, 2016