The Bruins are in quite the battle in the Atlantic Division and Wild Card for a playoff spot. Boston have 82 points in 68 games tied with the Detroit Red Wings, a point ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets who have a game in hand, and now trailing last night’s opponent the Montreal Canadians by 2 points, they also have a game in hand. It is crunch time, and unfortunately for the Bruins without any major moves at the deadlines, there have been no reinforcements to get them some added offense in the last few weeks. Granted I thought no moves was a good move at the trade deadline as the asking prices for several players the Bruins had interest in were exceptionally high in my opinion. On the bright side, in a year in which they were expected to be a basement team, the Bruins are in the hunt for playoff birth late in the season, have developed some nice young pieces in Khustidinov and Minten, have more on the way with James Hagens and Dean Letourneau at BC playing well, and retained two first round picks for this upcoming draft, one of which is likely to be a top 10 as the Maple Leafs have struggled mightily this season (Bruins acquired Maple Leafs 2026 1st round pick in last season’s deadline trade of Brandon Carlo. Bruins also got Fraser Minten in the deal.) I also think there is a strong chance that Hagens could join the Bruins for their push to the playoffs if BC were to be eliminated from the playoffs (even more reason to root against BC!) This is not to mention Jeremy Swayman has been excellent in net all season, finding his game after a down year last year, Korpisalo is providing serviceable back up performances. Charlie MacAvoy has since the Olympic break has really blossomed as a more offensive minded player providing 12 points since the break including 5 goals, and an 8 game point streak. If MacAvoy sustained this type of two-way play for a full season he’d be a Norris Trophy frontrunner, he’s been that good.

On the downside the Bruins have dropped two straight games in similar fashion, both important and winnable games. The Bruins of late have been largely plagued with inconsistency. They might get off the a great start, but regress in the second, then battle back in the third or vice versa, you really don’t know what you’re going to get, but it hasn’t been a sustained 60 minute effort (60+ as of late.) Before the Olympic break their power-play was great and their PK was terrible, that seems to have flipped completely. Just odd to see this level of inconsistent play this late in the year for a team battling for a playoff spot. In both the Devils and the Canadians games I thought there were times where the Bruins began to establish the true dump and chase, grinder type of identity that makes them successful, but then they would get away from it. Lazy efforts in the D-Zone (especially on MTL’s second goal last night), and too many turnovers and with that the momentum they garner fades quickly. I fully understand it’s not a glamorous way to play, and it’s difficult, but it’s what makes them an effective, difficult team to play against.

Looking ahead at the remainder of their schedule the Bruins stay largely on the East coast in terms of travel which will be helpful. They have two against Columbus, one against Detroit all of which are true must win games. Two tough, measuring stick type games against Central Division elites, Minnesota and Dallas. And a handful of efforts against potential first round playoff opponents in Buffalo, Tampa and Carolina. 14 games remaining I think to safely make it to the playoff they’re looking at having to win 10. I think they can get away with less, but 10 would be safe, and provide great momentum for a good run. I think James Hagens could be a valuable missing piece, and if BC loses expect him to slide right into a top six role. He’s a dynamic skater and playmaker who could be a positive option to off set either Pastrnak or Geekie. I expect he would take the place of Michael Eyssimont and Alex Steeves who have been splitting games as of late.

Only big games remaining, and the Bruins can’t afford an off night. A consistent, full 60 minute effort each and every game moving forward will be necessary to fight their way in. Once the playoffs begin, as we know all to well, anyone can make a run.