It’s all on the line as St. Louis Blues take on Boston Bruins

BOSTON - FEBRUARY 1: St. Louis Blues' Jaden Schwartz, left, score on Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask during the third period. The Boston Bruins host the St. Louis Blues in a regular season NHL hockey game at TD Garden in Boston on Feb. 1, 2018. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON - FEBRUARY 1: St. Louis Blues' Jaden Schwartz, left, score on Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask during the third period. The Boston Bruins host the St. Louis Blues in a regular season NHL hockey game at TD Garden in Boston on Feb. 1, 2018. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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The St. Louis Blues are three points out of the Western Conference postseason and are fighting for their playoff lives as they host the Boston Bruins on Wednesday.

The Boston Bruins’ recent injury bug infestation could help their Western Conference opponents gain a crucial foothold in the playoff race.

Sitting three points behind the Anaheim Ducks, who hold the second wild card in the conference heading into tonight’s matchup, the Blues need a lot to fall their way in their final 10 games. And the Bruins’ banged-up roster might provide them the boost they need.

Boston’s infirmary is currently housing top-line center Patrice Bergeron, top defenders Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvo and top-six forwards Rick Nash, David Backes and Jake DeBrusk.

As a result, it’s not surprising that the Bruins have missed a step in the last couple weeks, though they are still hanging onto the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference with 99 points (third overall in the league).

Here’s everything you need to know to watch this crucial matchup:

St. Louis Blues vs. Boston Bruins

Date: Wednesday, March 21

Location: Scottrade Center, St. Louis

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

TV: NBCSN

Live Stream: Fubo.TV

The Bruins are injured and their playoff spot is secure. But the Blues are hungry.

St. Louis has won four of its last five despite missing alternate captain Vladimir Tarasenko, who is doubtful for tonight’s bout. But captain Alex Pietrangelo, who earned the week’s First Star for his nine points, has steered this squad through rough waters, and the harbor is in sight.

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At this point, every game is pretty much a must-win for St. Louis, which has 83 points on the year heading into tonight’s matchup. Per SportsClubStats, a win against the Bruins would improve the Blues’ playoff chances by 12 percent. That’s no joke.