The numbers
The Boston Bruins are facing the Tampa Bay Lightning for the third of four regular-season meetings, with the Lightning currently sitting atop the Atlantic Division with 100 points. The Bruins, holding onto the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, have accumulated 94 points this season.
In a notable development, Mikey Eyssimont will draw into the lineup for the first time since March 17, while Mason Lohrei is a game-time decision after missing the last three games due to injury. Coach Marco Sturm commented on Eyssimont’s return, stating, “He’s a former player here, so he should be very motivated. Just a little bit of speed.” This matchup is crucial for both teams as they approach the playoffs.
Historically, the Lightning have won both matchups against the Bruins this season, including a recent game where the Bruins fell 6-5 in a shootout during the 2026 NHL Stadium Series. The Lightning have also clinched a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the ninth consecutive season, showcasing their consistent performance over the years.
Raddysh, a standout for the Lightning, recently scored his 21st goal, setting a franchise record for the most goals scored by a defenseman in a single season. He expressed gratitude for his team’s support, saying, “I’m fortunate to play with a lot of good players and be put in this position.” Meanwhile, Andrei Vasilevskiy made 21 saves in the last game, contributing to the Lightning’s strong performance.
The Bruins have shown resilience, going 10-0-2 in their games after a loss since January 1. Jeremy Swayman, the Bruins’ goaltender, holds a record of 30-16-4, with a goals-against average of 2.71 and a save percentage of 0.908. Despite their strong record, the Bruins have struggled on the road, currently holding a 15-15-7 record away from home.
As the game approaches, the stakes are high for both teams. The Bruins’ playoff chances are strong, with a 95.7% probability of making the postseason, according to MoneyPuck. However, they will need to overcome the Lightning, who have proven to be a formidable opponent this season.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Mason Lohrei’s status for the game. Observers are keen to see how both teams will perform under pressure as they aim to solidify their playoff positions in this critical matchup.
