These teams are most likely first-round playoff opponents for Bruins originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Just 12 days ago there were five teams within seven or fewer points of the second wild card playoff spot in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. A dramatic race to secure these spots was underway post-trade deadline.
Fast forward to Thursday, and the race has tightened a bit.
There are now three teams within seven or fewer points of the second wild card berth in the East. Most teams have 12 or fewer games left to play, so it’s now or never for the Buffalo Sabres (eight points behind), the Ottawa Senators (seven points behind) and Washington Capitals (six points behind).
Plenty of reasons why an Ullmark-Swayman playoff platoon makes no sense
The wild card race is of particular interest to the Boston Bruins. They own the league’s best record at 54-11-5 and, barring a crazy collapse over the final few weeks of the season, will play the second wild card team in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
There are several teams the Bruins could host in Game 1 at TD Garden. Here are their most likely first-round opponents, using The Athletic’s projections model.
New York Islanders
Current projection: 1st wild card, 94.3 points
Chance to make playoffs: 75 percent
The Islanders would be a difficult matchup for the Bruins given their well-structured, disciplined and physical style of play. It’s the same type of hockey that gave the B’s fits in the second round in 2021 when the Islanders prevailed in six games.
The Bruins are a much better team in 2023 and would be favored to win the series. That said, the Islanders have one of the league’s best goalies in Ilya Sorokin. A hot goalie is one thing that could potentially derail what’s been a historic season for the Bruins.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Current projection: 2nd wild card, 93.7 points
Chance to make playoffs: 62 percent
If the season ended today, the Bruins would play the Penguins in Round 1. The Penguins are not having an impressive season. In fact, they’ve been pretty mediocre. Pittsburgh ranks No. 20 in both goals scored and goals allowed at 5-on-5, while also ranking No. 17 in save percentage. The Penguins made several moves at the trade deadline, none of which were very inspiring. Still, any team with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin must be taken seriously. The Penguins roster is full of players with Stanley Cup-winning experience, too.
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Florida Panthers
Current projection: Miss…