Bruins Clinch Playoff Berth, Face Blue Jackets for Seeding

Boston looks to sweep season series against Columbus as they prepare for postseason

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and competing forces of a hockey game between the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets, rendered in a cubist style.As the Bruins and Blue Jackets clash in a pivotal late-season matchup, the game's intensity is captured through a cubist deconstruction of the action on the ice.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins have clinched a playoff spot for the 16th time in 20 years, tying the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals for the most postseason appearances over that span. Despite a recent 5-game skid, the Bruins are focused on staying sharp as they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team they've already defeated twice this season. The Bruins will look to sweep the season series and secure favorable playoff positioning in the final matchup between the two teams.

Why it matters

With the Bruins' playoff berth already secured, this game is crucial for determining their seeding and positioning heading into the postseason. The Bruins will want to build momentum and avoid any potential letdowns, while the Blue Jackets are fighting to stay afloat in the playoff race.

The details

The Bruins have dropped 5 straight games (0-3-2) but are looking to get back on track against the Blue Jackets. Boston previously defeated Columbus 4-2 on Feb. 26 and 4-3 in a shootout on March 29. The Blue Jackets are coming off a 5-2 win over the Canadiens on Saturday, with Boone Jenner emphasizing the importance of the team's effort as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.

  • The puck will drop at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • The Bruins last played the Blue Jackets on March 29, 2026, winning 4-3 in a shootout.

The players

Marco Sturm

Head coach of the Boston Bruins.

Charlie McAvoy

Defenseman for the Boston Bruins who recently recorded his 50th assist of the season, becoming the 10th defenseman to reach that mark this year.

Zach Werenski

Defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who is one assist away from setting the team's single-season record.

Boone Jenner

Captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets who emphasized the team's effort in their recent 5-2 win over the Canadiens.

Charlie Coyle

Forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who scored two goals in their 5-2 win over the Canadiens.

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What they’re saying

“We just got to make sure we're staying sharp. I'm going to remind them what happened the last time we were in Columbus (March 29). We got absolutely dominated in the first period, and it took us a long time to get going, and we can't do that (on Sunday). That's something I'm going to address for sure.”

— Marco Sturm, Head Coach, Boston Bruins

“Huge team effort. We know what's at stake. Big effort for us, and got to keep it going (on Sunday).”

— Boone Jenner, Captain, Columbus Blue Jackets

What’s next

The Bruins will look to sweep the season series against the Blue Jackets and secure favorable playoff positioning, while the Blue Jackets will fight to keep their postseason hopes alive.

The takeaway

With the Bruins' playoff berth already secured, this game is crucial for determining their seeding and positioning heading into the postseason. Both teams will be highly motivated, as the Bruins aim to build momentum and the Blue Jackets try to stay in the playoff race.