Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak (88) scores as Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord (35) is unable to stop the puck as defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (24) defends duriing the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)AP
BOSTON — For the first time in 119 days, the Bruins are looking up at someone else in Eastern Conference and the Atlantic Division.
The Bruins’ 4-1 loss to the Kraken at TD Garden on Thursday combined with the Panthers’ 4-0 win over Buffalo leaves both teams with 74 points. Because the first tie-breaker is regulation wins (RWs), Florida (35-15-4 with 30 RWs) is officially ahead of Boston (32-12-10, 26 RWs).
The division winner will face a wild card team in the first round, while the team in second plays the teams in third in the division. If the season ended Thursday, the Bruins would face the Lightning in the playoffs.
at 37-12-6, the Vancouver Canucks have the best record in the NHL.
The Boston players said getting into the playoffs is the only goal.
“After last year we don’t pay too much attention to that,” Brandon Carlo said. “It’s more just maintaining playoff position. We’re not really focused on anybody else, just continuing to grow our game. It’s great when you have a chance at the end of the year to look at your competition. It’s fun. That’s hockey. But internally we’re just focused on our own game.”
David Pastrnak agreed.
“We’re definitely focused on ourselves here in the room,” he said. “We have this home stretch and only a few games left. We have to get the wins Saturday and Monday and get back on the winning column. Teams are breathing on our neck.”
