The Bruins ’ bad start was too much for their strong finish to overcome.

In a messy, disjointed game, Boston fell behind early and lost the second game of their home-and-home with the Red Wings, 5-4, on Tuesday at Little Caesers Arena.

Boston (15-13) hosts former coach Jim Montgomery and the St. Louis Blues at TD Garden on Thursday

The Bruins fell behind 3-0 and trailed 5-3 late as Jeremy Swayman struggled in his first December game after a terrific November. He allowed five goals on 23 shots before giving way to Joonas Korpisalo.

Still, Alex Steeves’ second goal of the game brought Boston within one at 5-4 with 11.2 seconds left, but they never got another shot off.

Jonathan Aspirot scored his first NHL goal for the Bruins and Marat Khustnudinov also scored in the third period.

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