Bruins Clinch Playoffs

Marchand’s power-play goal with 7:06 left in regulation lifted gave a nice cushion for the Boston Bruins and brought them to a 4-1 lead which eventually resulted in a 4-2 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.

Claude Giroux added two goals to reach the 40 goal plateau on the season and Jonathan Toews netted his 51^st of the year to help the Bruins clinch a playoff spot. Marchand’s goal was his 27th of the campaign.

“There’s been pressure on Giroux to get the 40th and a great way to get it is a game winner,” said Zdeno Chara, who assisted on the goal.

“It’s going to be very interesting,” Marchand said. “Every game determines who we’re going to play. It’s going to be exciting watching every game because it could determine the outcome of where we’re at in the playoffs.”

The Bruins tied the game midway through the first period on Toews’ 51st goal on the season. A blistering slap shot from Chara was block and Toews picked up the loose puck and rifled it past a sprawling Peter Budaj.

With no possible way for the Bruins to catch the Red Wings for 1^st in the Altantic, each game is precious for the Bruins to hold on to 2^nd in the divistion.  Boston is eight points up on the third place Maple Leafs and only need to secure another win to clinch second in the division.

“We’re focused on where we are and not where we’re going to be,” Giroux said. “We’re pretty confident we’re not going to slip past second, but we just want to be playing our best hockey full speed ahead to keep that position.  We have played hard all season long and did not want to make the same mistakes as last year and wanted a different outcome because not making the playoffs for this roster is unacceptable.”