Boston Bruins’ remaining schedule has them poised to make big leap
By Jack Long
Since the NHL Trade Deadline on April 12th, the Boston Bruins have been rolling – winning four games straight. What a difference a week makes, as the night before the deadline a middling Boston team was embarrassed off the ice in an 8-1 beatdown. Boston now looks like they’ve found their groove with trade deadline additions Taylor Hall, Mike Reilly and Curtis Lazar having made immediate impressions on this organization.
On a four game win streak and in the final stretch of the NHL regular season, one would be inclined to look at the remaining schedule for the B’s to see how much damage this team could really do with 13 games remaining. Let’s take a look at the Bruins’ remaining schedule.
Boston Bruins’ remaining games.
Buffalo Sabres – 5 games
The most games against any team remaining on the Boston Bruins’ schedule – the Buffalo Sabres are exactly the team you’d want in that position. There are no easy wins in the NHL and the Sabres are still playing for pride, but let’s just be honest and admit this is one of the worst teams we’ve seen in years. 4 out of 5 is more than possible and would be huge in the Bruins’ push for top of the East Division.
New Jersey Devils – 2 games
Most teams seeing the New jersey Devils on the schedule would be licking their chops close to that of the Buffalo Sabres. When it comes to the Boston Bruins though, the New jersey Devils have given them a hard time all year. Hopefully a rejuvenated Bruins team can finally silence the Devils.
New York Rangers – 2 games
The team currently breathing down the Boston Bruins’ necks – these two matchups against the New York Rangers could become very important for the playoff race in the East. The Rangers have been on a bit of a roll as of late themselves.
Pittsburgh Penguins – 2 games
Starting to get into the playoff teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins look like they will be the first team to jump for the Boston Bruins in an attempt to reach the top of the division. The Penguins have had an up and down year, but look poised to make the playoffs and their veterans should be locked in down the stretch.
New York Islanders – 1 game
Having beat the New York Islanders in back-to-back games last week, the Boston Bruins know this team is beatable. Don’t let that fool you though, this is one of the best teams in the division and have been battling with the Washington Capitals for that top spot all season.
Washington Capitals – 1 game
Currently at the top of the East Division, the Boston Bruins beat the Washington Capitals in a feisty affair just yesterday. The Capitals and Bruins have developed a deep rivalry this season and with these two teams playing in the last game of their respective seasons – this game looks like it could decide the fait of the winner of the East Division.
Could the Boston Bruins win the East Division?
The Boston Bruins are currently 4th in the East Division and have some ground to make up if they want to be at the top of the East come seasons end. Saying that, the Bruins are currently rolling and their strength of schedule supports the notion that the opportunity is for real. The most important thing that many don’t look at when looking at standings is the fact that Boston has 2 games in hand of the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders, and 3 games in hand of the Washington Capitals.
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Some may argue that placement doesn’t matter in this irregular season, but home ice advantage in what will be a bloodbath of an East Division playoff may be worth it.