Bruins eliminated from playoffs, eye NHL Draft lottery

The Boston Bruins have officially been eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2016, marking only their third missed postseason since 2007. With four games remaining in the regular season, the team is currently tied for the fourth-worst record in the NHL, raising their odds of securing a top pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Despite a brief halt to their 10-game losing streak with a win over the Carolina Hurricanes, the Bruins fell again to the Buffalo Sabres, reinforcing their position in the draft lottery. The Bruins are looking to retool rather than rebuild, especially after trading captain Brad Marchand, and will be monitoring potential trade candidates as they prepare for the offseason. Fans remain hopeful that a high draft pick could lead to acquiring a blue-chip center talent to revitalize the team. Boston's current draft lottery odds place them in a favorable position for a top-five selection, a potential silver lining in a tumultuous season.