Bruins’ Path To Playoffs Gets Tougher With Red Wings’ Win Vs. Flyers

Thursday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings isn’t technically a must-win for the Boston Bruins, but it’s pretty close.

The Red Wings can clinch the final Atlantic Division playoff berth Thursday with a win of any kind over the Bruins at TD Garden. Boston can’t be eliminated Thursday, but its only option would be the final wild-card spot if it loses to Detroit.

The Red Wings now have 93 points after their 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, who currently hold the Eastern Conference’s final wild-card spot. Philadelphia and Boston both have 91 points, but the Flyers currently hold the tiebreaker. Philly can clinch a playoff berth with five points in their final three games. Boston, meanwhile, only has one more game after Thursday’s important contest against Detroit.

The final wild-card spot means a date with the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Washington Capitals in the first round.