Lightning 2, Bruins 1

 

Back on March 31, the Bruins were 43-24-8, two points behind Montreal for third place in the Atlantic Division and an automatic playoff bid. They were six points ahead of Columbus for the first Wild Card berth and eight points ahead of Ottawa. 

Since then, they've lost five straight games, including last night's 2-1 loss to Tampa Bay. The Bruins are now 43-27-10, eight points back from Montreal and tied with Ottawa in the Wild Card race. However, with only two games left to the season, they've clinched a playoff spot, so they've likely lost all motivation to win the last two. Yeah, let's end the season on an 0-7 losing streak!

The current standings after last night's loss have Boston entering the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the East and playing No. 1 seed Carolina (52-22-6). The Bruins are 1-2-0 against the Hurricanes this season.

Tonight, they play the penultimate game of the regular season against Columbus (4-28-12), who are fighting for their lives to qualify for a playoff spot. The Blue Jackets are eliminated from the Wild Card race but are only two points behind Philly for third and a playoff berth in the Metropolitan Division. Their post-season lives depend on winning their last two games and Philly losing at least one.