The wider picture
The Boston Bruins, who saw their streak of eight consecutive playoff appearances come to an end last season, are currently in a fierce battle for a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. As of March 12, 2026, the Bruins occupy the second wild card playoff position, trailing the Detroit Red Wings by just one point for the first wild card spot. The competition is tight, with the Bruins holding a slim one-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets and a five-point cushion over the Ottawa Senators.
Despite their current position, the Bruins face a daunting challenge ahead. They have the second-toughest remaining schedule in the league, with eight of their final 18 games against teams that are currently in playoff contention. This tough stretch could significantly impact their chances of making the postseason. Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney acknowledged the importance of winning on the road, stating, “You’d be hard pressed to find a team that wants to have playoff success that’s not able to go out and win on the road.”
Road performance has been a concern for the Bruins, as they have recorded only 11 wins away from home, which is at least five fewer than any other team currently occupying a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. This statistic raises questions about their ability to secure crucial points in the final stretch of the season. Sweeney remarked on the inconsistency in their play, noting, “Sometimes it’s our starts. Sometimes it’s our second period like (last Thursday night). There’s really no excuse for it, to be honest with you.”
On the other side of the playoff race, the San Jose Sharks are also vying for a wild card spot, currently sitting with 70 points in 65 games. They are battling for the second wild card position, with the Seattle Kraken holding the spot with 71 points in 66 games. The Sharks have not qualified for the playoffs since the 2018-19 season, making this year’s opportunity particularly significant.
The Sharks’ remaining schedule is more favorable than that of the Bruins, featuring only one current playoff team, the Buffalo Sabres. This could give them an edge as they attempt to secure a playoff berth. The Sharks have already faced the Edmonton Oilers this season, achieving one win and one overtime loss, with another matchup scheduled for April 8.
As the season progresses, the Bruins’ playoff chances stand at 69.4 percent according to MoneyPuck’s model. They have also managed to score 12.1 goals above expected, which is the third-highest in the league. This offensive output could be crucial as they navigate the final weeks of the season.
With the pressure mounting, both the Bruins and Sharks must capitalize on their remaining games to secure a playoff spot. Observers are keenly watching how these teams will perform under pressure, as the stakes continue to rise in the NHL wild card standings. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining which teams will advance to the postseason and which will fall short once again.
