It's often said that sports are an escape from every day life. As Wednesday's game in Boston showed, sports serve a greater purpose: a comforting shoulder for a hurting community to lean on.
That's what the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres did yesterday evening. And even though the Sabres won, the sportsmanship they showed conveyed the goodness that a lot of the country has been trying to find during this depressing week.
We will have plenty to say about Wednesday's emotional events in Boston throughout the day. For now, let's get you caught up on the rest of the night of action.
All The NHL Scores
Get caught up on Tuesday's NHL scores with recaps from our network of SB Nation team blogs. Here's a quick glance at the full day of action:
Sabres 3, Bruins 2 (SO)
Calgary 3, Red Wings 2
Blue Jackets 3, Ducks 2 (OT)
Five Answers
Prior to Wednesday's games, we presented five burning questions regarding the day's action. Here are your cool, soothing answers.
1. Will the Chicago Blackhawks clinch the No. 1 seed in the West?
Yep. Somehow the Jackets kept their torrid playoff push going with an overtime win in Anaheim, giving the Blackhawks the top seed.
2. Will the Boston Bruins clinch a playoff spot?
They didn't get the outright win, but surviving the Sabres' late onslaught until overtime earned them a playoff spot.
3. What kind of impact will Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron have in their returns?
Neither made an impact on the scorecard, and neither made a really noticeable contribution to the game. I'm sure it'll take a few games for them to get their legs back under them.
4. How will Peter Budaj perform Wednesday night?
Budaj wasn't in goal by the second period after giving up three goals on just nine shots. Carey Price wasn't much better, allowing three more goals of his own. This late season swoon by the Habs is making that seventh seed in the East look very attractive.
5. Will the Detroit Red Wings still be in possession of the eighth seed in the West by night's end?
Columbus took the eighth seed because of this ...
and this.
Impact Moment
What moment from Tuesday night's games will be making headlines in the coming days?
This.
Stat of the Night
Douglas Murray doesn't score very much:
That's Douglas Murray's first goal in 147 games, ending the longest active drought in the NHL.
— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPG) April 17, 2013
Post to Post
- Introducing ... the Iowa Wild?
- Is it time for Ryan Smyth to retire?
- James Wisniewski was suspended three games a few years back for an inappropriate gesture. Will P.K. Subban face similar discipline for his hand motion last night?
- BizNasty is on Vine. Prepare yourselves.
- Finally:
More in the NHL:
• Six (!) outdoor games in 2014
• Welcoming Craig MacTavish as Oilers GM