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Bruins’ playoff hopes take big hit after comeback falls short vs. Chicago

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Patrick Kane's hat trick helped lift the Blackhawks past the Bruins 6-4 in a must-win matchup for Boston. Chicago jumped to a 5-0 lead before the Bruins began to climb back, but held on for victory.

“Almost” might just be a word that will haunt the Boston Bruins after Sunday.

It’s possible that people will use that word regarding a failed playoff bid, and it’s definitely something that can be trotted out regarding their 6-4 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks this afternoon.

For quite some time, it looked like the Blackhawks would absolutely humiliate the Bruins. Tuukka Rask was chased from the Bruins’ net, Patrick Kane hit the 100-point plateau with a huge output and Chicago roared to a 6-0 lead.

Fittingly, some quick goals changed the feel of this one.

The Bruins managed a pair of goals in little time to give themselves more confidence heading into the third period, and things really got interesting there, with the B’s closing the gap to a 6-4 lead for Chicago.

Ultimately, Boston didn’t reach the finish line, even with an “almost” or two in the late stages.

Now, keep in mind that the Bruins aren’t mathematically eliminated by any stretch.

Still, it’s a defeat that may haunt the Bruins. The Detroit Red Wings are one point ahead for the third spot in the Atlantic Division, with both teams holding three games remaining. The Philadelphia Flyers are also one point ahead of the Bruins with 91 standings points ... and Philly holds two games in hand.

So, yeah, this hurts. Even so, the Bruins can keep hope alive by noting a huge April 7 game against the Red Wings, and the fight they showed even if it ended up being too little, too late.

It’s “almost” as if this was a death blow, but luckily for the Bruins and their fans, that’s one almost that’s on their side.

Note: the Blackhawks get the win ... but Marian Hossa may be injured. More on that later on Sunday or when an update comes.