Mar 6, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand looks down during a break in action during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Bruins 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand earned his 30th goal in the B’s 4-2 loss to Ottawa Senators. It’s the second year in a row Marchand has been able to hit that plateau.

The Boston Bruins looked kind of flat in their 4-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. It had the potential to be a big game for the Black and Gold, but they just didn’t look that great on the ice tonight.

The Bruins were hoping their line changes (David Pastrnak back with Patrice Bergeron and Marchand, Drew Stafford with Peter Cehlarik and David Krejci, and David Backes going to third line with Ryan Spooner and Frank Vatrano) would spark an offensive push, but the B’s found themselves two goals down halfway into the first period of the game.

Patrice Bergeron postgame: "When you get down by two in less than 10 minutes it's tough to get back in the game." pic.twitter.com/BiSuYmRyZ5 — Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 7, 2017

Craig Anderson looked solid in net for the Senators, and that just complicated things for the Black and Gold. Tuukka Rask stopped 25 of 28 shots on the night. The Senators now have a four point lead over the Black and Gold for second place in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins will need to hunker down and do their best to avoid mistakes of seasons past.

Despite the loss, Bruins forward Brad Marchand was able to net his 30th goal of the season. That gives the 28-year old Marchand his second consecutive 30-goal season. Tonight’s goal moves into a tie for fourth (with Jeff Carter) in overall goal scoring.

Marchand now has 68 points on the season, a personal best for the Halifax native. That’s also good enough for fourth place in the league for total points earned. Marchand is still easily on track for a 70 points season, and could quite possibly pull off an 80 point season before all is said and done.

Marchand continues to impress this season. He’s looking more and more primed to inherit Bergeron’s “A” when Bergeron moves up to captain after Zdeno Chara‘s retirement. Marchand and Bergeron seemed to be the bright spot in this game for the B’s, and they’ve been the most productive line for the B’s all season.

The Boston Bruins will move on and get ready to take two points from the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.