NHL scores 2017: Injuries, ejections sour big nights for Bruins and Ducks

It should’ve been a triumphant night for the Boston Bruins and Anaheim Ducks.

Boston hosted the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday with a chance to clinch a playoff berth for the first time in three years. It was arguably the biggest game of the season for both clubs, since the Lightning had to win to keep their playoff window from closing even more.

And the Bruins pulled through. Pretty easily, actually. Not sure how else you’d describe a 4-0 win. And, yet, all anyone will remember is the headline in the box about to interrupt this post.

Thank you, box.

Yes, Brad Marchand went and got himself suspended (in all likelihood) in the dumbest way for a player of his caliber. Since the Bruins clinched, the NHL has a built-in way to get away with suspending him for only two games. But whatever the outcome, it was a damper on good Bruins evening.

Anaheim locked up their berth a week ago, but they still stuck it to their upstart Pacific Division competitors on Tuesday with a win over the Flames. They could still win the division! They’ll just have to do it without Cam Fowler, their best defenseman, after an awful knee injury.

We sighed at teams like the Wild backing into the playoffs with losses, but somehow these feel worse.

Bruins 4, Lightning 0

Devils 1, Flyers 0 (OT)

Penguins 4, Blue Jackets 1

Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 1

Senators 2, Red Wings 0

Jets 5, Blues 2

Islanders 2, Predators 1

Wild 5, Hurricanes 3

Stars 3, Coyotes 2

Avalanche 4, Blackhawks 3 (OT)

Sharks 3, Canucks 1

Kings 6, Oilers 4

Ducks 3, Flames 1

1. The Presidents’ Trophy is probably staying put

The Capitals took down the Maple Leafs on Tuesday, accomplishing a few things. First, it kept Toronto from clinching a playoff berth. Second, that keeps the wild card race somewhat interesting! Third, it all but guarantees the Penguins can’t catch Washington for the most points in the NHL this season.

2. Julius Honka is pretty darn fun

The Dallas Stars rookie scored his first NHL goal after literally skating circles around the Coyotes in overtime.

3. OK, fine, this was cool

J.P. Parise died recently, and seeing his kid wear his gear was pretty cool. But I still maintain that’s a Dallas Stars heritage jersey. Because it is.

The Ducks are in some trouble. Mark Giordano’s late hit tweaked Cam Fowler’s knee and potentially leaves Anaheim without their top defenseman as the playoffs approach.