The numbers backed the Blues. Boston (8-7-2) was 0-7-0 when trailing after two; the Blues were 5-0-0 when leading after two. The Bruins had been outscored 16-5 in the third period this season. But Boston went out and collected 60 percent of its season total prior to Tuesday in 20 minutes against the Blues.

A win over a fragile St. Louis Blues team may not be a big deal for a team with high expectations. But for where the Bruins are right now, the manner in which they won on Tuesday in St. Louis could be a good start for them to get to where they want to go.

Brayden Schenn and Oskar Sundqvist scored, and Binnington made 27 saves for the Blues (7-9-0), have lost three in a row and ended a season-long five-game homestand 2-3-0. St. Louis was 5-0-0 when leading after two periods.