Boston Bruins: Do Or Die Time In Boston

The Boston Bruins were on the verge of missing the playoffs for the second straight year.  As the Black and Gold were looking over the edge, they knew they had to dig down deep tonight. The Bruins came out firing on all cylinders, scoring two goals in the first three minutes of the game. The B’s played one of their strongest sixty minute games in a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. While the B’s aren’t out of the woods yet, they’ve done themselves a huge favor by earning two valuable points tonight.

More from Bruins News

• Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
• Bruins bringing back familiar forward on tryout contract
• The Bruins should take a look at these four free agents
• NHL Network lists Ullmark as sixth-best goalie in the league
• The Lasting Legacy of David Krejci

The win gives Boston Bruins 93 points and puts them in a tie with the Red Wings. The Philadelphia Flyers lost in overtime, but that point gives them 92 points. So, it’s a three team race for the final two spots in the East. The Bruins aren’t in control of their own destiny, and they’ll need a little help if they want to get the third spot in the Atlantic or the final wild card spot.

This sums it up in a single photo.  Still the Bruins know they can still make it happen. They had an incredible game against a tired Detroit team, and another strong game against Ottawa all but guarantees them one of the two playoff positions. At the moment, the Bruins have a 75.4% chance to make the playoffs. All they’ve got to do is go out there and earn it.

“It’s still in our hands, so we need to go out there and do our jobs,” said Patrice Bergeron. “The biggest thing is you have to be confident, and you have to believe. But at the same time there are no more chances here. We have to seize it, and go out there and do it.”

The Bruins will need a little help from old foes to get their playoff spot. If Henrik Lundqvist plays like he has most of the season, then the Rangers will take out Detroit and give the B’s the third playoff spot in the Atlantic. The Flyers are going up against the Penguins and the Islanders. With a little help from Sidney Crosby and Johnny Boychuk, the B’s will slide into the postseason.

All the Bruins have to do is win on Saturday.

Next: Brad Marchand Wins 7th Player Award

“It’s an exciting time of year, and it’s do-or-die,” said Matt Beleskey. “We’re going to take it one step at a time, and I think we are an excited group. We’ve talked about finish. We’ve had opportunities and I think guys are squeezing a little hard. You just need to play our game, and get the emotion going, get the [Garden] going and hopefully that will be what we need to get it done.”