The Boston Bruins are only six games back of the first place Tampa Bay Lightning, and still have a legit shot to win the Atlantic Division.
Boston may have a chance at home ice throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but with all of the recent injuries to key players such as Charlie McAvoy and Patrice Bergeron, is going all in for the division title really worth it?
There isn’t an easy way to answer that question because the Bruins potential playoff opponents both come with their own unique challenge.
Right now the Bruins would open the season against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team they’ve struggled against this season.
Auston Mathews squad is 3-1 against Boston this season and far more playoff ready than many might think.
Winning the No. 1 seed, on the other hand, would lock up home ice through the Eastern Conference playoffs, but it would also lead to some tough matchups.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, and Florida Panthers are duking it out for the two wild-card spots, but the three have all been red-hot since the all-star break and playing a hot team is the last thing you want in the playoffs.
The Bruins main focus right now should be getting healthy and getting into elite form for their playoff run, the seed won’t make much difference as long as they’re in.
