Boston Bruins playoff picture

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Don't look now but the Boston Bruins are starting to get hot at the right time. Boston closed the month of March defeating the New York Rangers, Carolina, and Florida. Boston has five games to go including a huge tilt tonight against Detroit. With a win tonight Boston could move into a tie for the 7th seed in the East with Detroit. While moving up in the standings is generally a good thing Boston will need some help from the top teams in the East to avoid playing Montreal in the first round. Many people may embrace getting a crack to takedown the arch rival Canadiens, but past history would prove otherwise. Montreal has owned Boston this year sweeping the season series 4-0, and as we all remember ousting the Bruins out of the playoffs last year in seven games. Montreal also won last years season series 3-1 meaning Montreal has beat Boston 11 times in the last 15 meetings. While a meeting with Montreal could be inevitable Boston fans may have to be careful what they wish for if Boston can finish out the season with a playoff berth.

Boston still has the chance however to possibly move into 6th place. With a win tonight Boston would only be one point behind 6th place Washington who plays Montreal tonight. Only time will tell what will happen with the Bruins playoff fate, but playing either New York, or Tampa Bay would prove by the numbers to be a better first round matchup for Boston. Boston took the season series against the Rangers 2-1, and leads Tampa Bay 2-1 in the season series. Boston closes the regular season against Tampa Bay April 11th. However Boston is getting hot right now, and hopes to keep the train moving towards the playoffs tonight verse Detroit. Boston will need help from the top of the standings though in hopes to avoid Montreal. While a first round matchup with Montreal wouldn't be the end of the world history would show that the odds would not be in Boston's favor. Who knows maybe Boston could even wind up in 5th by seasons end and play Pittsburgh or the New York Islanders who are only four points ahead of Boston. Boston cannot hold control of what other teams do of course, but Boston holds the key to where they can land. If Boston can avoid the nightmare matchup with Montreal, Boston could be in good shape to make a run in the playoffs.

Stats via NHL.com

Follow @BruinsLife for more Bruins coverage