Sunday, April 12, 2026 – 6:00 PM ET
Nationwide Arena – Columbus, Ohio
TV: FDSNOH; Radio: 97.1 FM
Boston Bruins (43-27-10, 96 points, 5th Atlantic, 8th East)
at
Columbus Blue Jackets (40-28-12, 92 points, 4th Metro, 9th East)
After the results of yesterday, the window to make the playoffs has narrowed, but there is still a chance. Both Boston and Ottawa clinched, so the only way the Jackets can get in is by taking third place in the Metro. Philadelphia holds it now, 2 points ahead (but the Jackets have the edge in regulation wins and head-to-head). Washington and the Islanders are also still alive, a point behind us. All have two games remaining.
Washington hosts Pittsburgh at 3 pm on TNT. We unfortunately need Pittsburgh to win. They rested most of their stars at home yesterday, will any play today? They are locked into Metro 2. For the Caps, might this be Alex Ovechkin’s final game in Washington? (Or final NHL game at all, if he opts not to play in Columbus on Tuesday)
The Islanders host the Canadiens, also at 6 pm. We need the Habs to play better than they did against us.
The Flyers host the Hurricanes tomorrow at 7, and it is crucial that the Flyers lose in regulation.
Per the indispensable playoffstatus.com, the Jackets will be eliminated if they lose today and the Flyers win tomorrow, or if they lose in regulation and the Flyers earn just a point. BUT if the Jackets can win these last two games, they have an 81% chance of making the playoffs. Winning just once drops that to 19%. No wins? No playoffs.
Was there a man dismayed?
Not though the soldier knew
Someone had blundered.
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and …