The Bruins entered Tuesday night’s game with the Tampa Bay Lightning knowing that a win would clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
It did not work out as the Bruins lost, 4-0, at Tampa. The teams are now tied with 110 points, although the Bruins have a game in hand. It’s possible now that the Bruins will not know their playoff opponent until Sunday night after they play their final game of the regular season.
The Bruins could clinch first by registering five of the possible six points in their final three games. They play at the Panthers Thursday night, then host Ottawa on Saturday and the Florida Panthers on Sunday.