Boston can still hold playoff destiny in their hands

Photo Credits- USATSI

Here we are, coming down the home stretch on yet another interesting season and into the last turn of the playoff push. People are saying how Boston has lost the chance to make the playoffs, but the Bruins' schedule allows them to control their own destiny. While the remaining schedule is not easy by any means, there are still match-ups that can allow Boston to be right back in the thick of the race. For the record, Boston is only a point out of the 8th spot, and only four points out of 7th. The Boston Bruins are not dead by any means, like people are making them out to be. As Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers would say, everyone needs to not worry and R-E-L-A-X. Don't hit the panic button quite yet; if Boston is still in this scenario with two games left then we can talk, but being one point of the picture doesn't eliminate a team.

Yes, the Ottawa Senators are the hottest team in the NHL (9-1 in their last 10), but like every good streak, it will come to an end. Maybe Ottawa got hot too soon; they have to play the New York Rangers twice, Pittsburgh, Washington, Tampa Bay and Detroit. If Ottawa survives that gauntlet of a remaining schedule, and Boston continues to falter then by all means Ottawa deserves the playoff spot more. However, I do not foresee that happening. Ottawa also has to play Toronto twice, and we all know that with a flick of the switch they could play spoiler. Ottawa's task of clinging onto the 8th spot will not be an easy task especially battling with an unhappy Boston team that won't lie down and surrender. Why won't they do that you might ask? Fighting through adversity is just the Boston way, and the fans demand playoff hockey. For teams that have to come to TD Garden and face a desperate Bruins team you know it will be a fight until the bitter end.

Before we head into April, Boston finishes with three of their last four games in March at home playing Anaheim, New York (R), and Florida at TD Garden. Their lone away game is at Carolina who of late has been giving teams good competition. Ask Chicago who played Carolina Monday, and got outshot 44-25. These will be tough games for Boston, but if they play with the playoff tenacity, and willingness Boston could end March on a high note, before wrapping up the season where they will face Detroit, Toronto, Washington, Florida, and Tampa Bay. We all know this, getting points no matter how you get them is key. Boston is going to have crawl, scratch, fight, and play with the nastiness we are all used to seeing the Black and Gold play with. In March, you know what they it's a simple philosophy just survive and advance, and in this case advance to the playoffs at all costs.

Stats via NHL.com

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