How Can Bruins Clinch Playoff Berth?

How Can Bruins Clinch Playoff Berth? originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The Boston Bruins have exceeded expectations this season as the team is holding onto the top Wild Card spot entering the final games of the season. Boston entered the season after failing to make the playoffs last year and being sellers at the trade deadline. Although the oddsmakers expected the Bruins to miss the playoffs, the team has done well under first-year head coach Marco Sturm.

With four games left to go in the season, Boston is holding onto the top Wild Card spot, but has yet to clinch a playoff berth. So, how can the Bruins clinch a playoff berth? The Bruins control their own destiny, and with four games to go, all Boston needs is four points, and they will clinch a playoff berth, regardless of what the teams do behind them.

Meaning, if the Bruins get two wins, or just go to overtime in all four games, regardless of whether they win or lose, Boston will clinch. To miss the playoffs, two teams would have to pass Boston in the standings. Only five teams that can catch the Bruins, and the Capitals, have the slimmest chance as they would need Boston to lose all of its games in regulation while winning all of theirs.