Bruins Surge Ahead in Playoff Race with Win Over Wild

Boston signs college goalie prospect as Eastern Conference teams jockey for postseason position

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:56pm

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The Boston Bruins picked up a crucial 6-3 win over the Minnesota Wild, extending their lead in the Eastern Conference wild card race. The Bruins got goals from Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm, and others to down the Wild. Meanwhile, the Bruins signed college goalie prospect Max Lundgren to a contract, and other teams around the East had mixed results in their playoff pushes.

Why it matters

The Bruins' win over the Wild gives them some breathing room in the tight Eastern Conference wild card race, as teams like the Red Wings, Blue Jackets, Penguins, and Senators all lost ground. The Bruins now have a three-point cushion in the first wild card spot, making their upcoming game against the Blue Jackets even more important.

The details

The Bruins jumped out to an early lead against the Wild, with Andrew Peeke scoring just 61 seconds into the game. Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm each scored two goals, while Viktor Arvidsson added one of his own. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 32 saves to secure the victory. The Bruins' second line, featuring Zacha and Lindholm, has been on a tear lately, factoring into three of the six goals. The Bruins will now head to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets, who currently hold the second wild card spot in the East.

  • The Bruins won 6-3 over the Minnesota Wild last night (March 28, 2026).
  • The Bruins signed college goalie prospect Max Lundgren to a contract on Sunday (March 29, 2026).
  • The Bruins will play the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight (March 29, 2026).

The players

Boston Bruins

An NHL hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Minnesota Wild

An NHL hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Max Lundgren

A college goaltender who was signed by the Boston Bruins to a one-year entry-level contract.

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What they’re saying

“After the game, Marco Sturm said he is comfortable with the lines the team has now.”

— Marco Sturm

What’s next

The Bruins' upcoming game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are also in the Eastern Conference wild card race, will be crucial as both teams jockey for playoff positioning.

The takeaway

The Bruins' win over the Wild, coupled with losses by other Eastern Conference contenders, has given them some much-needed breathing room in the tight playoff race. However, their upcoming game against the Blue Jackets will be a key test as they look to solidify their hold on a wild card spot.