Coming off the Olympic break and playing their first game in 22 days, the Boston Bruins hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets in what was a pivotal matchup. Columbus came into the game four points behind the Black and Gold for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth, and they entered the break winning 10 of their last 11 games. Not only was the game a big one in terms of the standings, but also in pointing the front office in the direction they need to go at the trade deadline in eight days.
After a sluggish start, Boston regrouped in the second and part of the third period and rode Joonas Korpisalo in goal as he made 35 saves.