The leading team in NHL can officially clinch the number 1 spot in Atlantic Division with a victory against Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. However, one more thing must happen for this to become a reality. Florida Panthers needs to win in regulation against Toronto Maple Leafs.
Win No. 55 on the season could allow the @NHLBruins to secure the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Division tonight.#NHLStats: https://t.co/S4CYBGOLNA pic.twitter.com/FvmBwoHkYt
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 23, 2023
Boston won the division last year and left their divisional rivals, Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning, facing each other.
Bruins are also in the 1st place in the Eastern Conference with 13 points more than Carolina Hurricanes. Boston’s opponent would be Pittsburgh Penguins if the playoffs started on Thursday.
Carolina can be sure for the playoffs on Thursday if they beat New York Rangers.