After a big win at home Saturday over the Florida Panthers, a let down 24 hours later against the Chicago Blackhawks would not have been much of a surprise for Bruins’ fans. Instead of a letdown, the Bruins put forth a very impressive performance to earn themselves two very important points in what was a 3-2 victory.

The win launches the Bruins past the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs and into the second slot in the Atlantic Division standings. However, both the Sens and Leafs have two games in hand on the Black and Gold.

Let’s take a look at what we learned as the Bruins inch that much closer to a postseason return.

Anton Khudobin continues to shine

For much of the 2016-17 season, the Bruins couldn’t get any help from their backup goalies. Between Anton Khudobin and Zane McIntyre, consistency from the backup position was non existent. But since mid-February, things have completely changed for Khudobin and the Bruins’ backup goalie situation. With wins in six straight starts, it’s safe to say that confidence is high for Khudobin, who has allowed just 11 goals in that span.

Sunday’s victory may have been Khudobin’s best of the season. Stopping 41 of 43 shots, Khudobin was challenged all day and really carried the Bruins to victory.

Penalty Kill comes up huge, again

The Bruins penalty kill has been a big part of the Bruins’ success for much of the season thus far. That was once again the case Sunday as the Bruins held the Blackhawks power play off the board in three tries. No kill was bigger than the one in the third as Colin Miller served two minutes for delay of game.

Chicago managed just two shots on goal with the man advantage as for the third straight game the Bruins were very active with their sticks in the passing and shooting lanes. The Bruins hope they can ride their penalty kill momentum in their last three games.

What a difference a week makes

Last weekend the Bruins were on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff bubble as a big contest against the Islanders was on deck. With the Islanders holding down the East’s final wild card spot, the Bruins picked up the two points, ending their untimely four-game losing streak. The win against the Islanders was huge, as the Bruins have fired off five straight wins and catapulted themselves into the second spot in the Atlantic.

The Black and Gold will look to keep the momentum going in a tough three-game stretch against the Lightning, Senators and Capitals to close the regular season.