Things have been much better for the Boston Bruins of late. They are winners of their last five including three straight at home, a place that hasn’t been too friendly to them this season. Tuukka Rask has rebounded from a slow start, the penalty kill has found its way, and head coach Claude Julien is getting production from all four lines.

The Bruins kick off a three-game road trip to Western Canada Wednesday night when they take on the Edmonton Oilers. Let’s take a look at what has been trending up and what has been trending down starting with the ups.

Claude Julien:

After the Bruins loss to the Sharks on November 17, Claude Julien called out his team after a frustrating loss. The Bruins have not lost since. (Photo credit: Joe Makarski/Bruins Daily)

Since Don Sweeney announced over the summer that Claude Julien would return as the Bruins’ bench boss, a lot of eyes have been on Julien and talk of him being on the hot seat had increased. When the Bruins stumbled out of the gate, all that continued. After a lackluster loss to the San Jose Sharks on November 17, Julien called out his team, demanding that they regain focus and play better. They’ve done just that.

Since the loss, the Bruins have won five in a row and have looked like a whole new team. The 60-minute efforts have been there and even when they’re not and the Black and Gold don’t deserve the win, they find ways to steal two points. Julien has his team trending in the right direction, he hopes that continues.

Tuukka Rask:

After a slow start, Tuukka Rask has bounced back nicely and has been a key to the Bruins recent success. (Photo by Joe Makarski/Bruins Daily)

If you expected Tuukka Rask to struggle through the entire 2015-16 season, well, you’re a fool. Rask has bounced back nicely since his slow start and has helped launch the Bruins back into a playoff spot. He has won four of his last five starts and has lowered his season goals-against average to 2.94. His goals-against average is still high for a goalie of Rask’s caliber, but as Tuukka continues to progress, his numbers continue to improve. The Bruins have confidence in their top goalie, so should you.

Bruins newcomers:

Frank Vatrano (pictured above) has been a huge find for the Boston Bruins (Photo credit: Joe Makarski/Bruins Daily)

The two newest Bruins have done nothing but help the team. Frank Vatrano, who was called up from Providence last month, and Landon Ferraro, who was claimed off of waivers from the Detroit Red Wings, have combined for four points in the Bruins last three games. The two newest Bruins have given Julien and his staff some more options when it comes to line juggling.

Now for the downs.

Jimmy Hayes:

Things have been rough of late for Dorchester native Jimmy Hayes (Photo credit: Joe Makarski/Bruins Daily)

Jimmy Hayes enters Wednesday’s contest against the Oilers with just one point in his last 10 games. That point came as an assist in Friday’s win over brother Kevin and the New York Rangers. Throughout his scoring slump, Hayes has moved up and down the lineup as the coaching staff looks for the perfect combination to get the former Boston College Eagle going. Unfortunately for the ex-Florida Panther, that has yet to happen. Despite the assist last Friday, Hayes saw a just 12:00 of ice time.

Kevan Miller:

Things on the Bruins blue line have been much better since Kevan Miller was removed from the lineup with a concussion (Photo credit: Joe Makarski/Bruins Daily)

Since suffering a concussion in the Bruins loss to the Sharks in November, Miller has remained out of game action. In the loss, Miller had arguably his worst game of the season where he was on the ice for four of San Jose’s five goals. Miller left the game midway through the third period and did not return.

As you know, the Bruins have yet to lose since and part of that has been because of the improved play of their blue line. Is that because there’s no Miller, maybe? Miller has been skating the last few days and is now day-to-day. Some lineup decisions are ahead once the former University of Vermont defenseman returns to action.

With things going so well, we only have two downs for this week. Thanks for reading!