Bruins Inch Closer to Playoff Spot Despite Recent Skid

Eastern Conference opponents' losses have given Boston a cushion in the Wild Card race

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:10am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey scene, with overlapping planes of black, gold, and white shapes representing the chaotic Eastern Conference playoff race.The Bruins' playoff push has been bolstered by the struggles of their Eastern Conference rivals, creating a complex, fragmented landscape in the race for the postseason.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins have struggled in April, going 0-2-1 in their last three games. However, they have received significant help from other Eastern Conference teams, allowing them to maintain a comfortable lead in the Wild Card standings. With four games remaining, the Bruins are in position to clinch a playoff spot, even as they face a difficult remaining schedule.

Why it matters

The Bruins' recent skid has put them in a precarious position in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race. But despite their own struggles, they have benefited from losses by their closest competitors, giving them a cushion as they look to secure a postseason berth.

The details

The Bruins currently hold the top Wild Card spot with 95 points, five ahead of the Ottawa Senators and six ahead of the New York Islanders. While they cannot catch the top three teams in the Atlantic Division, they are in a good position to hold off the chasing pack in the Metropolitan Division, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Washington Capitals.

  • The Bruins are 0-2-1 in their last three games, with one game remaining on their four-game road trip.
  • Boston has four regular season games left after their current road trip.
  • The Bruins' magic number to clinch a playoff spot has been inching closer to zero despite their recent struggles.

The players

Boston Bruins

An NHL team based in Boston, Massachusetts, currently holding the top Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Ottawa Senators

An NHL team based in Ottawa, Ontario, currently five points behind the Bruins in the Wild Card standings.

New York Islanders

An NHL team based in Uniondale, New York, currently six points behind the Bruins in the Wild Card standings.

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What they’re saying

“Despite only scoring three goals in nine periods against three Eastern Conference foes, the Bruins' magic number to clinch a playoff spot has inched closer and closer to being zero. Why? They have gotten a lot of help from the rest of the conference.”

— Ryan Jainchill, Author

What’s next

The Bruins will face two potential first-round playoff opponents, the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning, in their final week of the regular season. A win over Carolina on Tuesday would clinch a playoff spot for Boston if the Islanders lose to the Maple Leafs on Thursday.

The takeaway

The Bruins have managed to maintain their position in the Wild Card race despite their recent struggles, thanks in large part to the losses of their closest competitors. While they still have a difficult schedule ahead, the help they've received from the rest of the Eastern Conference has put them in a strong position to secure a playoff berth.