NHL scores 2017: Bruins’ loss complicates Atlantic Division playoff push

The Bruins have to play just one more game to be done with half of their season. Much like the Blackhawks, the Bruins are leading the NHL in games played after just a few days into 2017.

Unlike the Blackhawks — who are leading the Central Division — the Bruins are in a precarious situation in the Eastern Conference. Tied with the Senators at 44 points with the Lightning right on their heels just two points behind, any lost points have the potential to bite them.

Considering the circumstances, the Bruins’ 3-0 shutout loss to the Devils was quite the frustrating result. Boston had just 10 shots in the final 40 minutes of play while the Devils essentially played keep away through the majority of that time.

The Bruins were very close to having life at the end of the first period, though the no-goal call on Brad Marchand’s shot seemed to suck the remaining energy out of the team.

While it seems fickle to worry about lost points in January, consider that the three teams around the Bruins all have two or more games in hand. With potentially all the wild card spots taken thanks to the Metropolitan Division’s surge last month, that leaves four teams — or more if the Maple Leafs continue to win — fighting for three playoff spots.

Boston missed the playoffs last year because they ran out of room in a tight conference, and losses like Monday’s could spell the same doom come April.

Blues 4, Blackhawks 1
Devils 3, Bruins 0
Canucks 3, Avalanche 2

* * *

* * *

1. A flawed Winter Classic still shone bright

The lead up to the NHL’s ninth Winter Classic had a lot of mishaps, but the game itself went off without much of a hitch considering the game could have been delayed until Tuesday due to bad weather. Vladimir Tarasenko’s pair of goals helped the Blues win their first Winter Classic outing, while the Blackhawks slid to 1-4-0 in outdoor games.

Overall, not a bad start to the 2017 slate of outdoor games for the NHL!

2. Cory Schneider can only win with a shutout

It’s a trend that absolutely won’t last, but Schneider’s only two wins in his last nine games started have been shutouts. The last was before Christmas against the Flyers, with his latest the 22-save shutout that blanked the Bruins. The normally stalwart goaltender hasn’t had much go his way this year behind the Devils’ defense, with the shutout improving his save percentage to .906 in 28 games.

3. The Canucks... are streaking?

Don’t look now, but Vancouver is on a four-game win streak. Points in those last four have moved the Canucks into a tie with the Stars and just one point out of the wild card. Yes, the wild card. Just when it looked like the Canucks were cooked, too. Isn’t hockey a wonderful thing?

The Blues had an explosive third period in their Winter Classic win. Here’s the Tarasenko game-winner that broke the tie late in the final frame.