“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, though 12-2-0 in their last 14 at home, were facing playoff elimination four points behind Philadelphia.
For Boston, Thursday marked Game No. 80, keeping them even with Tampa Bay after Tuesday’s 4-0 loss. A win would have put the Black and Gold back above the Lightning and in total control for best in the Eastern Conference.
“Big game after that last one,” Jaffe said about the Bruins.