Commentary: Boston has slim hopes to make the playoffs, so the best option for the team is to plan for the future.

Mark Scheifele scores twice and Western Conference-leading Winnipeg tops Boston.

Boston was thumped in Buffalo on Tuesday, and the return of McAvoy – out since Jan. 11 with a wrist injury – will certainly help.

Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka become the first pair to get a hat trick in the same game for the Sabres since 2008.

Neither player will return Tuesday at Buffalo, but are a step closer to getting back in the lineup.

Pastrnak has a goal and two assists in Boston’s 3-1 victory.

Swayman didn’t dress Thursday against the Senators because of a minor injury.

David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie both score in Boston’s 2-0 victory.

Morgan Geekie scores for Boston.

Kastelic returned to the lineup Monday but was injured again and didn’t play in the third period.