The Latest Breaking News from Jeremy Swayman

BOSTON — The Buffalo Sabres may have a hard time making the playoffs this year in the position they are in, but they are going to be a force in the Atlantic Division for years to come.

To beat the Bruins these days it takes a Herculean effort from someone from the opposition. That someone for the Ottawa Senators was goalie Cam Talbot.

BOSTON — The Bruins and their incredible run of home success appeared to be toast in the first period on Thursday at TD Garden. They were being outplayed, outworked and outscored by two goals and the Winnipeg Jets' terrific goalie Connor Hellebuyck was on his game.

BOSTON — Being the top dog in the National Hockey League comes with its challenges, as the Bruins are learning. It doesn’t matter where an opponent sits in the standings, a date with the league leaders has a way shaking that team out of its doldrums.

The last time the Bruins lost to the Arizona Coyotes, it was at the start of the 2010-11 season and that season ended with the Bruins raising the Stanley Cup at the of that season.

BOSTON — With the Bruins in the midst of an extended slate against some of the top teams in the NHL, the wins are not coming as easily as they did a few weeks ago.

SUNRISE, Fla. — From the edge of a crease, Matthew Tkachuk watched a twisting puck change directions and fly past the outstretched arm of Jeremy Swayman. Before he did anything else, the All-Star right wing wheeled around and pointed his left index finger at Aleksander Barkov.

Even on nights when a lot of bad things happen to them, the Bruins continue to make you believe something special is brewing with this team.

Thursday's game against Boston was the Red Wings' first real test against a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

After the Bruins beat the Florida Panthers on Monday, coach Jim Montgomery admitted he was worried about the upcoming game against the Senators in their home opener in Ottawa while the Bruins were playing the second half of a back-to-back.

BOSTON — The Bruins earned the two points that were required with the Arizona Coyotes in town on Saturday night. But it was not easy, and their injury situation suggests that things are only going to get tougher.