NHL Playoff Picture 2017: Breaking Down Standings and Current Postseason Bracket

The Boston Bruins have improved their playoff status with five consecutive victories.Elise Amendola/Associated Press

It has been quite a week for the Boston Bruins.

Teetering on the outside of the playoffs nine days ago, the Bruins are second to the Montreal Canadiens in the Atlantic Division after reeling off five straight victories, including a 3-2 road win over the powerful Chicago Blackhawks Sunday afternoon.

"It gives us a lot of confidence," center Patrice Bergeron said after the game, per Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe. "It wasn't an easy schedule, by any means, traveling here [after a win over Florida Saturday in Boston], under 24 hours and playing a tough team like the…