Tomorrow is the final game of the regular season for the Boston Bruins. They know they need a win against the Ottawa Senators. They also need a little help from the Detroit Red Wings or the Philadelphia Flyers. The Bruins will have to play as hard as they did against the Red Wings on Thursday to secure themselves a playoff spot.
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“We’re in the situation we’re in and we can’t look at what could have been or what would have been,” said B’s forward Brad Marchand of the team’s predicament. “It’s all about where we are right now and all we can do is prepare for the next one.”
Well, the Bruins are preparing for their final game, and they know they can leave nothing on the ice Saturday afternoon. They’re a desperate team. They’ll have to bring a feral brilliance to their game, and they know it.
“You definitely need at this time of the year and it’s good that we were able to step up and show that ,” continued Marchand. “It’s something that we’re going to need next game.”
Bruins forward Matt Beleskey was equally succinct.
“Don’t come to the game if you’re expecting a let down…We’re going to play hard and we’re going to try to get the job done. I think the fans are pretty good here, and I know they’re all wanting a win on Saturday. I’m sure they’ll be there in their Black and Gold ready to go.”
If the Bruins hang on long enough to see Detroit lose, they’ll end up with the third playoff spot and take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. If the Flyers can’t finish their two games without winning both, then the Bruins will likely end up as the final wild card spot, forcing them to take on the Washington Capitals.
There are other outside factors. The Red Wings are getting a bit of a boost as the Rangers are sitting five players, including Ryan McDonagh and Henrik Lundqvist. Detroit could skate by the depleted Rangers and end up in the playoffs for yet another season. The Flyers have the tougher road, playing the white-hot Penguins and the New York Islanders. It’s more likely that B’s will squeak in with the second wild card slot.
At the moment, the Bruins still have a 75.4% chance of making it. We’ll pretty much know how it ends up in 24 hours. So, good luck Bruins. You’re going to need it.