Bruins Can Clinch NHL Playoff Berth on April 9

Boston needs a perfect set of results from around the league to punch their ticket to the postseason.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:03pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game in sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the Bruins' black and gold colors, capturing the dynamic energy and intensity of the sport.The Bruins' return to the NHL playoffs is a triumph for the storied franchise and its passionate fanbase in Boston.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins are on the verge of returning to the NHL Playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. The Bruins can officially clinch a playoff berth on Thursday, April 9, if the Maple Leafs, Flyers, and Sabres all win their respective games in regulation.

Why it matters

The Bruins' return to the playoffs would end a one-year drought and continue the team's long run of postseason appearances. Boston has made the playoffs in 8 of the last 9 seasons, establishing itself as a consistent contender in the Eastern Conference.

The details

For the Bruins to clinch on April 9, they need the following results: a Maple Leafs regulation win over the Islanders, a Flyers regulation win over the Red Wings, and a Sabres regulation win over the Blue Jackets. If all three of those games go Boston's way, the Bruins will punch their ticket to the playoffs despite not playing that night.

  • The Bruins' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 1.
  • Boston's next game is on Saturday, April 11 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The players

Boston Bruins

An NHL team based in Boston, Massachusetts that has made the playoffs in 8 of the last 9 seasons.

Toronto Maple Leafs

An NHL team based in Toronto, Ontario that is currently in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia Flyers

An NHL team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that is also in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL team based in Buffalo, New York that is currently in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

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What’s next

If the Bruins clinch a playoff berth on April 9, their remaining regular season schedule includes games against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New Jersey Devils.

The takeaway

The Bruins' potential playoff clinching on April 9 would mark a return to the postseason after missing out last year, continuing the team's recent run of consistent success and establishing them as a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference.