In Boston, Brad Marchand scored with 1:30 left in extra time to give the Bruins a 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Bruins have a four-point lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs for second place in the Atlantic Division; the Leafs were humbled by the Ottawa Senators, 6-2, on Saturday.
Brad Marchand potted game-winner over Columbus – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Jaroslav Halak made 24 saves to get the win as the Bruins have won 11 straight at home.
Boston needed to fill some holes on defense after being soft in a three-game losing skid.
“I think that’s the difference tonight,” Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said. “We addressed that going into Winnipeg. Score didn’t show it in Winnipeg, four goals against. I thought our team D-zone coverage was much better, rush coverage was a problem. So we talked about that a little more.
“I think our guys knew that’s the easiest way to get back on track, is keep the puck out of your net. We were able to do that.”
Matt Duchene scored for the Blue Jackets in the first period to tie the score 1-1; Columbus dropped to 40-28-4 with the loss.
“I think we played better connected tonight. I thought we were around the puck with numbers of people,” Jackets head coach John Tortorella said. “We weren’t so spread out as we were [Friday] night (a 3-0 win against the Hurricanes). I like the way we played.
“That’s five out of six points, twice against Boston, getting three out of four from them. [Korpisalo] played well, but I just thought everybody contributed tonight.”
Patrice Bergeron had staked the Bruins to an early 1-0 lead in the opening frame.
Boston improved to 43-20-9.
[WATCH:Â All Blue Jackets vs. Bruins highlights]
Joonas Korpisalo made 31 saves in the loss.
“He’s (Korpisalo) as good a backup goalie as you’re ever going to see. You take ‘backup goalie’ with a grain of salt when it’s him. He’s outstanding,” Duchene said after the loss.
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