COMMENTARY
“Tonight’s game has purpose to Florida – and the Bruins,” NESN analyst Billy Jaffe said pregame about Thursday’s final road game against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center. The Panthers, 12-2-0 in their last 14 at home, were four points behind Philadelphia and facing playoff elimination.
For Boston, Thursday marked Game No. 80. The Bruins entered the night even with Tampa Bay after Tuesday’s 4-0 loss. A win would put the B’s back above the Lightning and in total control for the best record in the Eastern Conference.
But it was not meant to be.