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Boston Bruins: Playoff Spot Clinched as Jockeying for Seeding Continues

By Jason Haskins

Apr 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) celebrates with defenseman Torey Krug (47) and center Riley Nash (20) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) celebrates with defenseman Torey Krug (47) and center Riley Nash (20) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Bruins, with a victory earlier this week, are back in the NHL playoffs for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

The pursuit of Lord Stanley’s Cup will ratchet up intensity next week. And for fans of the Boston Bruins, the return of their beloved team to the mix is long overdue.

Where they end up and who they play, though, is still up in the air as the NHL regular season winds down over the next few days.

After clinching a spot with a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning last Tuesday, the Bruins lost to Ottawa 2-1 in overtime.

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One game remains for Boston in what has been a choppy–if not drama filled–regular season. Through the firing of a head coach and inconsistent months of uninspired play, the Bruins now find themselves in the postseason.

Winner of six of their last seven games, the Bruins are currently in third-place in the Atlantic Division. They finish up with a home game on Saturday against the Washington Capitals.

While a spot in the playoffs is sewn up, multiple scenarios can still play out as to where the Bruins begin the playoffs. It is most likely Boston will either begin with Ottawa or–if they lose and fall to the wildcard position–Washington.

Boston has lost their last eight meetings with the Presidents’ Trophy winning Capitals. Ending the losing streak with a victory would allow the Boston Bruins to avoid Washington in the first-round. A loss and they may very well end up facing them next week.

The Bruins will also have to play without leading scorer Brad Marchand. He was suspended the final two regular season games after spearing Tampa Bay’s Jake Dotchin.

Marchand has been a revelation this season, totaling 85 points (36 goals, 49 assists).

The Bruins certainly have the talent to make a run in the 2017 playoffs. The last three seasons have been frustrating, but Boston has a chance to exorcise some of the 2016-17 demons with a good showing.

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The task might be tall, but when it comes to Stanley Cup season, the ice is open game. And for this storied franchise, when they are at the top of their game, the rink is their playground.

Let’s just hope it’s one they want to keep playing on for a few more months.

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