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Playoff Implications Make for a Hollywood Ending

By Joe Palencia

TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 29: Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins is pursued by Anthony Cirelli #71 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 29, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 29: Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins is pursued by Anthony Cirelli #71 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 29, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Bruins have had their ups and downs this season, to say the least. At one point in the season, it looked like the Bruins might not make it to the playoffs. Now with one game left they’re firmly in the top wildcard spot. But that could change after tonight. The Bruins are just 1 point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for 3rd in the Atlantic division. Both teams are in action tonight for their final game. It is safe to say that tonight will affect the Boston Bruins playoffs.

The Boston Bruins face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight in their final game of the regular season. The Leafs are looking to sweep the Bruins after winning both of the previous matchups with a total score of 11-6. Tonight’s game has some heavy stipulations though. Should the Bruins win this game tonight, that would move them into 3rd in the Atlantic Division and set them up for a first-round matchup against these same Maple Leafs.

It won’t be that simple though, first, the Bruins would have to beat the team not just make it to overtime. Then the Lightning would have to lose in regulation to the New York Islanders who have had more than their fair share of struggles this season. If the Lightning were to lose in overtime however it would cause a tie with the Bruins and the 3rd seed would be determined by a tie breaker which the Bruins hold having swept their season series.

One could argue that the Carolina Hurricanes are the better matchup because the Bruins have changed the roster around and found a groove since they last met up with Carolina. The Hurricanes are also expected to be missing a key member of their team in the first few games of the playoffs. Add the Bruins’ 8-1 record against the Hurricanes over their last 2 playoff series to the equation and it seems a lot closer than you think.

The Bruins could be giving some guys the night off after calling up some players from Providencethis morning. It seems like the Bruins are happy where they stand facing Carolina should these standings hold up. One thing is for sure though, with every eastern conference playoff team having scored 100 or more points in the regular season for the first time ever, this  Boston Bruins playoff run will surely be one of the toughest ever.

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