Charlie Coyle, Jordan Oesterle and Morgan Geekie scored for the Bruins (28-27-8), who are 1-5-2 in their past eight games. Jeremy Swayman made 24 saves.

David Pastrnak sent the Boston Bruins a strong message after a deflating loss to the Nashville Predators, as the team struggles deepen with Brad Marchad's absence.

The Bruins have to make a call on trading Brad Marchand in the next few days. Here are the pros and cons of such a move.

In the opening 20 minutes, the Bruins made the Predators look like the team Nashville GM Barry Trotz thought he had assembled last summer when he sunk big money free agents Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Jonathan Marchessault.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney are ready to prioritize the future over short-term gains — with Boston poised to sell ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline.