Since then, however, it's been anything but incredible, as the Bruins are just 5-6-1 since that 2-1 win over the Habs.
Boston's opportunity to make the playoffs likely won't be hindered by the recent dip, especially if they're able to rebound soon. Yet, if you're a Bruins fan, there have been some disconcerting trends over the last month.
The offense has suddenly gone cold, especially as of late. In three February losses, the B's have scored just one goal total, hitting rock bottom on Wednesday in a 6-0 loss, their worst game in a long time. In that game, the Bruins' stagnant offense was evidenced by the fact that the B's could not draw one power play all night. The drought has led Claude Julien to alter his lines with the most notable move coming when he moved center David Krejci down. The absence of Nathan Horton, who's been out since Jan. 22 with a concussion, isn't helping matters any either.
Maybe even more concerning for the Bruins has been the defensive issues in the last month. Julien and his team pride themselves on playing a defensive brand of hockey, and they've done anything but that in the last month. The B's have looked sloppy in their own zone and into the neutral zone with turnovers playing a key part in the dip. Far too often they've been victimized by being out of place, something that hasn't been a trait of the Bruins in a long time.
Those miscues have certainly helped aid slumps from the Bruins goaltending unit as well. Both Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask have struggled lately. Thomas has allowed 22 goals in his last eight appearances while Rask has allowed three goals per start over his last five appearances.
Then there's also the idea that the Bruins' off-ice distractions are starting to take a toll. The most obvious example, of course, would be Thomas. After making national news by skipping the team's White House visit, the goaltender — and to an extent his teammates — were peppered with non-hockey questions after another politically charged Facebook statement from the veteran goalie.
Whatever the reason is, the B's will need to get things straightened out soon, as things won't get any easier with the Black and Gold playing nine games in 17 days starting Saturday.
What has been the biggest reason for the Bruins' recent slump?
