Fresh Links: 6 Pack

Having laid quota on the Rangers in last night’s 6-3 win, the Bruins move on to host the Panthers on Saturday at 1:00 PM on NESN. Five games to go in the regular season!

• Notable observations from the win include the happy returns of both Torey Krug and Marcus Johansson to game action. Bruins Daily
• Johansson is confident that he can pick up where he left off. Bonus- updates on John Moore, Matt Grzelcyk, and Kevan Miller. Patriot Ledger
• The line blender was engaged by Bruce Cassidy following an uninspiring first period, which sparked the team. Providence Journal
• David Pastrnak managed a hat trick as well as two assists, including the slick one on Jake DeBrusk’s goal, in the win. Bonus- the Providence Bruins will be affiliated with Boston for another 10 years. TSN
• Jake DeBrusk feared for David Pastrnak following his exuberant, leaping goal celly. NBC Sports Boston
• There were several reasons for celebrations, including milestones reached by a number of Bruins. NESN
• Brad Marchand is primed for yet another milestone, with only five games left in the regular season. @DaysofYOrr
• David Backes DID NOT LIKE a hit on Patrice Bergeron, (shown here Streamable, via Reddit) and later tuned up the young Ranger that delivered it. @PeteBlackburn
• It’s the little things... even for a big guy like Zdeno Chara, attention to the small courtesies does not go unnoticed by on-ice officials. NESN
• The only thing that kept this commercial break (played on screen side-by-side with live game action) from near perfect synchronization was the fact that the Bruins wore their Winter Classic kits last night. Awful Announcing
• Meanwhile, the Providence Bruins were blanked by the Wilkes-Barre Penguins last night. Providence Bruins
• Not a fan- Cam Neely’s issue with the current playoff structure is a percieved bias against earned (rather than traditional rivalry) opponents. Boston Herald

NHL Standings:

• In this overall summary of the Eastern and Western races, the Bruins distance themselves from the faltering Maple Leafs. Bonus- last night’s game results of note, and a summary of standings if the playoffs opened today. NHL

Elsewhere around the rink:

• This NHL Power Ranking is the “you da SECRET MVP” edition. The Bruins maintain their lock in second place, while the wizard of time and space gets his due for perfect attendance and production. ESPN
• Lies, damned lies, statistics- using the past five years’ goals for/against numbers of cup finalists as a predictor of Stanley Cup success. Arctic Ice Hockey
• In another move toward integrating the gambling industry, the NHL has partnered with a noted bookmaker. ESPN
• Enjoy some very junior hockey players miced up during a learn to play adventure with the Little Howlers program. (Video, 1:41) @ArizonaCoyotes