Bruins Clinch Playoff Spot in Tight Wild Card Race

Boston team battles for first or second wild card position in Eastern Conference

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Bruins hockey game, with the players and ice rink broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color in shades of black, gold, and brown, capturing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the team's wild card race.The Bruins' wild card race adds an extra layer of intrigue and unpredictability to their playoff journey, with the team's potential opponents and path to the Stanley Cup hinging on the final games of the regular season.Boston Today

The Boston Bruins have secured their spot in the NHL playoffs, but the team's postseason journey is far from settled. The Bruins find themselves in a tight wild card race, currently tied with the Ottawa Senators for the first and second wild card positions in the Eastern Conference. This scenario adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the Bruins' potential playoff opponents and path to the Stanley Cup will be significantly impacted by whether they land the first or second wild card spot.

Why it matters

The wild card race is a high-stakes game that will determine the Bruins' playoff matchups. If they secure the first wild card, they'll face the Atlantic Division winner, while the second wild card would pit them against the Metropolitan Division leader. These different paths present unique challenges and opportunities for the team.

The details

The Bruins' final two regular-season games against the Columbus Blue Jackets and New Jersey Devils will be crucial in determining their wild card positioning. A strong finish could solidify their spot and potentially avoid a more formidable first-round opponent.

  • The Bruins' final two regular-season games are on April 12 against the Blue Jackets and April 14 against the Devils.
  • The NHL playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

The players

Boston Bruins

An NHL team based in Boston, Massachusetts that has qualified for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Ottawa Senators

An NHL team based in Ottawa, Ontario that is currently tied with the Bruins for the first and second wild card positions in the Eastern Conference.

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL team based in Buffalo, New York that currently leads the Atlantic Division and could be a potential first-round opponent for the Bruins.

Carolina Hurricanes

An NHL team based in Raleigh, North Carolina that currently leads the Metropolitan Division and could be a potential first-round opponent for the Bruins if they secure the second wild card spot.

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What’s next

The Bruins' final two regular-season games against the Blue Jackets and Devils on April 12 and April 14 will determine their wild card positioning and potential first-round playoff opponent.

The takeaway

The Bruins' wild card race highlights the unpredictability and excitement of the NHL playoffs. Their final regular-season games will be crucial in shaping their postseason journey, which could lead to a challenging matchup against the Atlantic or Metropolitan Division leader.