The Boston Bruins were 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.
They continue to quiet the trade chatter that enveloped them for much of the early portion of the season and seem to have gotten back on the right track thanks to goalie Tuukka Rask rounding into form and some positive play from the youth on the roster.
But a playoff berth is still far from assured - David Pastrnak's play is already beginning to drop off - and the jockeying with the Rangers and Capitals for the final two postseason spots may go down to the wire.
Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, despite the recent positive run, is still active in the NHL trade marketplace and rumored to be seeking a forward, according to the Boston Herald.
"When the Bruins general manager goes public with his desire to trade for help, he usually succeeds, having added useful rentals Mark Recchi and Jaromir Jagr late in seasons. Now, with just four weeks until the March 2 trade deadline, look for Chiarelli to find at least one quality forward who is affordable and can help this team," writes Stephen Harris of the Herald.
The Bruins were already rumored to have interest in the likes of the Stars' Erik Cole and the Sabres' Chris Stewart, but there are a handful of other players that could prove intriguing to Chiarelli.
"Among the names available who'd seem good fits: Longtime B's-killer UFA-to-be right winger Drew Stafford of Buffalo; ex-Bruin Brad Boyes of Florida; forward Antoine Vermette or left-shot winger Martin Erat of Arizona," Harris writes.
Vermette is and has been on the trade block for some time. Coyotes GM Don Maloney is looking to get every last little bit that he can out of deals for he and Erat - along with every other trade piece on the roster - so acquiring either will be costly.
The 32-year-old Boyes could be moved to make way for the glut of young talent waiting to hit the ice in Florida. He's got 10 goals and 12 assists this season for the Panthers.
Stafford may be the most intriguing name. He's 29 and a pending UFA. He's only got seven goals and 15 assists this season, but he's a bigger guy who, when healthy, adds a physical presence.
He's set to join the fourth line for a Buffalo team willing to move veteran NHL pieces as it does its best to improve its position in the Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel sweepstakes.
