Final observations

Once again, the Bruins looked sloppy in the last minute and it proved costly. Just like Jarome Iginla’s goal with less than a second left in the first period, the B’s defense looked out of sorts on Ryan O’Reilly’s tying goal. The Avs had all the momentum following O’Reilly’s tally and finished off the Black and Gold in the shootout.

Tuukka Rask fell to 0-2-2 in back to back games, but he’s hardly to blame for the loss tonight. Over his last two games, he is 5-1-2 in his last eight starts with an astounding .953 save percentage in that span (S/T Ty Anderson). It’s safe to say that he is back to his Vezina Trophy winning form, and if the B’s are to climb the standings after the All-Star break, he’ll be one of the reasons why.

Brad Marchand returned from his two-game suspension in a big way with his third period goal. It was a fitting end for Marchand, who picked up right where he left off – without the slew foot or any other antics – bringing a physical game and creating chances throughout Wednesday’s matchup.

Dougie Hamilton got in his first career NHL fight just 36 seconds in when he dropped the gloves with Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog. The third year defenseman took exception to an elbow Landeskog delivered to him – although it did not look like a penalty – and the two engaged in a pretty solid battle. Hamilton’s last hockey fight came during his days with Niagara of the OHL in the 2011-12 season.

The Bruins enter the All Star break with a 25-16-7 record (57 points). Despite the loss, they are in good shape when they return to the ice a week from Thursday against the New York Islanders.

Stay tuned for more Bruins-Avalanche coverage on Bruins Daily and Boston.com