Last Skate of the Day, February 26, 2014

Feb 26, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Chad Johnson (30) makes a save during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Sabres (with a fair level of assistance from some rather poor quality refereeing) squeaked past the Boston Bruins at the First Niagara Center. The Bruins were able to get a point out of the 5-4 overtime loss. While I may be biased against the poor calls made by the refs, the Bruins did have a lot of rust on them since the Olympic break.  Here’s how the Boston Bruins saw their loss in Buffalo. (Boston Bruins)

For fairness sake, here is how the mathematically eliminated from the playoffs Buffalo Sabres saw their win tonight. (Buffalo Sabres)

While the Bruins seem more or less content to see what will happen before the trade deadline, the trade frenzy is in full steam across the NHL. Teams trying to set themselves up for success or players trying to get themselves on a team that can actually make a serious playoff run (which is why Steve Ott and Ryan Miller are so keen to jump ship out of Buffalo) is making it a sellers’ market this time around. Here is SB Nation’s look at some of the hot pawns being moved around the NHL’s chessboard. (SB Nation)

Despite the disappointing loss tonight, the Bruins are still in great shape for a deep run (Stanley Cup preferred) in the 2014 playoffs. Joe Haggerty takes a look at the Bruins work to date and explains how the Bruins have already done most of the heavy lifting they need to do to get themselves in the playoffs. (CSNNE)

The team at Puck Daddy takes a look at some of the biggest stories that most reasonable hockey fans should be watching. With the Olympics over, and the Boston Bruins only one of three teams that swept Olympic medals (The others being the Anaheim Ducks and the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes), they list the top twelve. Believe it or not, the Boston Bruins are on the list. Care to know where they are. Check it out here: (Puck Daddy)