The NHL’s schedule makers thought the Bruins-Lightning matchup to end the regular season would be an important one for postseason positioning and a chance for first place in the division. But Saturday’s matinee turned out to be a mere formality with Tampa, Boston and Toronto securing the top three spots in the Atlantic.
With nothing to play for on paper, the Bruins trotted out a lineup resembling the roster of their minor league affiliates in Providence. And expected, they couldn’t give the TD Garden crowd one last win on Fan Appreciation Day as they fell to the Presidents’ Trophy Winners, 6-3.