The Boston Bruins hold their fate in their hands as they face the Washington Capitals tonight at 8pm EST. With a VERY tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, it is crucial that the B’s come out of this one with points. But seeing their history against the Caps, it is not going to be an easy fight.
Consider this a stressful, or exciting, time of year?" Kells: "It's an exciting time. Stress ages you, excitement makes you feel young."
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 7, 2015
The Bruins have faced the Caps twice this year and in both games they were shutout by Braden Holtby. They have yet to figure the goaltender out and if they fail to once again tonight, their postseason status will be up in the air. The Bruins’ offense is going to need to step up their game and come out strong to land a few in the net.
Not only have the Bruins struggled against the Capitals, but they have to deal with the fact that the Capitals are fighting to hold off the Islanders and secure home ice advantage for the playoffs. The strong team will be coming out in full force and giving the B’s all they can.
As of right now, the Bruins have a 79.6% chance of making it to the playoffs. That’s not horrible, but with five teams fighting for four spots – and only a three point difference among them – anything under 100% is not good enough.
Lines during drills:
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 7, 2015
Marchand-Bergeron-Eriksson
Lucic-Krejci-Pastrnak
Kelly-Paille-Spooner-Connolly
Campbell-Talbot-Soderberg-Smith
Coach Julien has been trying out some different lines at practice in an effort to gain some offensive spark. Although the Pastrnak-Spooner-Lucic line has been outstanding, the young forwards have been getting bounced around quite a bit on the ice. By breaking this line up, putting Krejci back on center, moving Eriksson to the Bergeron line and giving Connolly a chance on a higher line, the Bruins might find the momentum they need to surge forward into the postseason. However, Julien has stated that the lines are not set in stone and we a likely to see some different pairings come game time.