An Overtime Loss to the Blues Isn't the End of the World

Not every point feels the same in the NHL, some are much more difficult to come by and therefore you have to enjoy those differently. Tonight at Scottrade Center was that kind of story as the Bruins lost 3-2 to the Blues in overtime on a goal by T.J. Oshie (go Team USA!). However, Boston (36-16-4) rallied from down 2-0 in the third period against St. Louis (38-12-6)-one of the top teams in the league-to earn a point.

It must be noted that the B's lost both games vs. the Blues this season (3-2 in a shootout at TD Garden) but still gained two points. The way it played out, the valiant comeback was the story line. Of course, I have to mention that Bruins captain Zdeno Chara had skipped this contest to hold Slovakia's flag at the Olympic opening ceremonies-I guess that is a valid excuse.

St. Louis scored first as Alexander Steen's career year continued. Boston's defense gave him too much space and he made them pay with a slap shot by Tuukka Rask (24 saves) at 15:48 of the second period. It was his 28th goal of the season-4th best in the NHL and tied with Sidney Crosby and Patrick Sharp. Ever hear of them?

Rookie Kevan Miller got in Rask's way and it cost them as Jaden Schwartz beat him at 3:32 of the second period for a 2-0 Blues lead. The Bruins poured 24 shots on Jaroslav Halak (Chara's countryman) in the first two periods. They finally cracked him about midway through the third. David Krejci scored at 9:16 from Jarome Iginla and Milan Lucic. It was Krejci's 13th goal of the season.

2:08 after Krejci's goal, Brad Marchand tied it on his 18th goal of the season, assists to Johnny Boychuk and Torey Krug. Krejci's goal was prettier since it the end of a sweet passing sequence. Marchand's was simply a rebound that he put in from a tough angle. Regardless, they're all worth the same. I felt like the B's would pull it out since they possessed all the momentum but the Blues handed them their first OT loss of the season (they had been 4-0).

This is it, Boston wraps up play before the Olympic break on Saturday afternoon (3, NESN) vs. Ottawa (26-21-11, 6th in Atlantic Division). No doubt the Bruins want a good taste in their mouth when many of them will be off for 2.5 weeks. It's all about beating the Senators before some much deserved rest then warp speed through the final 25 games in the regular season.

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