Bruins Lose Heartbreaker to Lightning, 2-1

Boston's playoff hopes take a hit with late collapse against Tampa Bay

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:06pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic final moments of a hockey game, with players' bodies and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of muted blues, grays, and whites.The Bruins' late collapse against the Lightning leaves their playoff hopes in jeopardy with the season winding down.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins were unable to clinch a playoff spot on Saturday, falling 2-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a tight, physical game at the Garden. The Bruins held a 1-0 lead late in the third period, but a costly turnover led to the tying goal by Brandon Hagel, and Tampa Bay's Emil Lilleberg scored the winner with just over a minute remaining to hand the Bruins their fifth straight loss.

Why it matters

The Bruins had a chance to secure a postseason berth with a win over the Lightning, but the loss keeps their playoff hopes in limbo with just two games left in the regular season. Boston now needs help from other teams to clinch a spot, making the final stretch of the season even more crucial.

The details

With the game tied 1-1 in the final minutes, Bruins forward Casey Mittelstadt was stripped of the puck by Tampa's Brayden Point, leading to Lilleberg's game-winning goal. The Bruins were unable to capitalize on a late power play and pull even, falling short in their bid to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

  • The game was scoreless through the first period.
  • Morgan Geekie scored to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead at 10:47 of the second period.
  • Brandon Hagel tied the game at 1-1 for Tampa Bay at 6:37 of the third period.
  • Emil Lilleberg scored the game-winning goal for Tampa Bay with just over a minute remaining in regulation.
  • The Bruins had a late power play opportunity but were unable to score the equalizer.

The players

Jeremy Swayman

The Bruins' starting goaltender, who made several key saves to keep the game close.

Brayden Point

The Lightning forward who stripped the puck from Casey Mittelstadt, leading to the game-winning goal.

Emil Lilleberg

The Lightning forward who scored the game-winning goal in the final minutes of regulation.

Casey Mittelstadt

The Bruins forward whose turnover led to the Lightning's game-winning goal.

Brandon Hagel

The Lightning forward who scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“We had our chances, but just couldn't capitalize when we needed to. This one stings, but we've got to regroup and get ready for the final stretch.”

— Jeremy Swayman, Bruins Goaltender

“That's a tough one to swallow, but we can't dwell on it. We've got to keep pushing and find a way to get the points we need to make the playoffs.”

— Charlie McAvoy, Bruins Defenseman

What’s next

The Bruins' next two games are against the Columbus Blue Jackets and New Jersey Devils. They will need to win at least one of those games, and get help from other teams, in order to clinch a playoff spot.

The takeaway

This loss is a major setback for the Bruins' playoff hopes, as they squandered an opportunity to secure their postseason berth. The team will need to regroup quickly and find a way to win their final two games, while also relying on other results to go their way, in order to extend their season.