There is only one game in the NHL tonight, and it’s Boston facing off against Florida at 7:30 p.m. Florida were eliminated from the playoffs yesterday, and have the dubious distinction of finishing in the highest place in the standings while still out of the playoffs. They will have the worst lottery odds for the draft.
Boston took care of their own business on Saturday, beating the Ottawa Senators 5-2. The Tampa Bay Lightning, who had their fate in their own hands, could only lose in overtime to the Carolina Hurricanes. The New Jersey Devils ended up in the last wild card spot in the east.
Tampa has 113 points and 48 ROW. Boston has 112 points and 47 ROW. A win of any kind tonight gives Boston first place with 114 points. If they lose in overtime or a shootout and tie in points, the ROW advantage of the Lightning gives them first place.
If Boston wins, they face New Jersey in the first round, and Toronto play Tampa Bay. If Boston Loses, Toronto plays them and the Devils face the Lightning. It is an interesting quirk of this near tie atop the Atlantic that two teams 8 points apart in the standings share identical playoff fates on the last day.
Tonight’s game is a national broadcast on Sportsnet, Sportsnet 360, NHL network in the USA, NESN and Fox Sports Florida.
So, one last time: Who do you want to face in the first round?
Who do you want to face in the first round of the playoffs?
| Boston Bruins | 1096 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 1425 |
