Boston Bruins: 4 Keys to the Final Nine Games

And down the stretch, we come.

Following a six-game winning streak that gave the Boston Bruins an eight-point lead over the New York Rangers for the fourth and final East Division playoff spot, but after two consecutive loss to the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, the Rangers are quietly just four points behind the Black and Gold.

Boston does have two games in hand on the Blue Shirts with nine games remaining in the 56-game 2021 regular season. The Bruins had visions of not only claiming the fourth spot in the division, but also moving up in the standings. That might be a dream now as the Penguins have climbed into first place, seven points clear of the Bruins.

While the Bruins could catch Washington Capitals and New York Islanders for second or third place, their main concern should be holding off the Rangers right now. The Rangers have seven games remaining, including their final two of the season at TD Garden against the Bruins on May 6 and 8.

Boston on paper does have the easier schedule remaining. Following tonight’s game against the Penguins, Boston has two games with Sabres, two with the Devils and one each with the Islanders and Capitals, along with their two with the Rangers.

The Rangers have one tonight with Buffalo, then two with the Islanders, two with the Capitals, and then their last two in with the Bruins.

Boston is not in a position to hope for help from the Islanders and Capitals, they need to take care of business beginning tonight in Pittsburgh, then in their next four games against the Sabres and Devils. Again, the Bruins have the easier schedule on paper, but as we know, paper doesn’t guarantee anything.

With that said, here are four keys to the final nine games for the Bruins to complete their march to the postseason and hold off the fast-charging Rangers.