The Boston Bruins did not compete in a game on Thursday evening; however, they secured their position in the NHL playoffs.
The Bruins had the opportunity to secure their playoff berth on Wednesday if they had earned at least one point against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Unfortunately, they suffered a 3-1 defeat in regulation, delaying their clinching celebration for another night.
Despite not playing, the Bruins officially clinched their playoff spot on Thursday, courtesy of a loss by the Philadelphia Flyers to the Montreal Canadiens. Currently, Boston becomes the second team to secure a playoff berth, following the New York Rangers, who lead the Metropolitan Division.
Leading the Atlantic Division with 99 points, the Bruins hold a two-point advantage over the Florida Panthers. They are currently on a six-game road trip, having won one game and lost two. Their next game is scheduled for Saturday night against the Washington Capitals.
With eight games remaining in the regular season, the Bruins are preparing for the playoffs, set to commence on April 20th.0
This marks the eighth straight year that the Bruins have earned a spot in the playoffs, the longest streak for any team in the NHL. Jim Montgomery has now led the Bruins to the playoffs in both of his seasons on the Boston bench.
Boston was the top seed last season after a record-setting, 135-point regular season. But that historic run ended in total disappointment as Boston failed to win a playoff series, falling to the Panthers in seven games in the first round.
The Bruins are, obviously, hoping for a much better outcome this postseason. If the playoffs started today Boston would square off with the Lightning — whom they went 1-1-2 against in the regular season — in the first round.
Be the first to comment