from Barbara Matson of the Boston Globe,

The Bruins are in third place in the Atlantic Division, only a point ahead of Detroit, which has a game in hand. Seven games remain for Boston.

“You’re going to have to really look at it one game at a time here, and that next game has to be that game,’’ said Julien. “You try and get yourself back on track. We’ve got to make our own breaks.

“Sometimes things are a little tough, but you find ways to get yourself out of it by staying positive, by staying determined. Being willing to do what it takes to win those hockey games.’’...

oth Julien and Chara refuse to brood about whether the current downward spiral mirrors what happened last season, when the Bruins finished out of the playoffs by 3 points.

“We’re really focusing on what’s happening now, this season,’’ said Chara. “I know it’s easy to point to similarities to what happened last season.

“I think we knew all along it was going to be a very tight race. It’s never easy to make the playoffs. I think this team is good enough to make the playoffs. I think we will make the playoffs. It’s going to be a fight to the end.

“We have seven games left and every point is going to be a big point. A lot of teams are in a similar situation. We’ve just got to focus on us and how we’re going to play.’’

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