Bruins Can Clinch Postseason Spot in New Jersey

BOSTON - The Bruins are on the verge of clinching a spot in the dance.
Boston can secure its place in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday night with at least one point against the New Jersey Devils or with a New York Rangers loss in any fashion.
When - and if - the Black & Gold clinch a playoff spot, Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy will begin to entertain the idea of resting some of his players over the final week of the regular season. But until that happens, the focus will remain on racking up as many points as possible.
"We want to clinch first. Hopefully we take care of business [on Monday] night," Cassidy said ahead of the Bruins' optional practice on Sunday afternoon at Warrior Ice Arena. "Then we'll start addressing that. Then we'll see."

Likewise, the Bruins are determined to finish as high up in the standings as possible. They currently sit one point back of the New York Islanders for third place, three points behind Washington for second - with a game in hand on both teams - and five points back of Pittsburgh for the top spot with two games in hand. All three teams have already clinched their place in the postseason.
"You always want to finish as well as you can, as high up in the standings as you can. I think this year more than any other year, I don't know how much it's going to matter," said Cassidy. "Seems like you've got four really good teams that sort of jockeyed all year…for us, our record is very balanced, so no matter who we play, we feel we can win no matter wherever the game is."
While home ice advantage won't quite be the same this season with buildings remaining at limited capacity, Cassidy acknowledged the many benefits of playing as many home postseason games as possible.
"I think if you ask every team, they'd rather have it, simply for the comforts of home," said Cassidy. "I think for the players, it's only one extra game [in a series]…people talk about the COVID restrictions - they're on the road, they can't really leave the hotel. You're at home, you have a little more ability to move around, so that might be good for you mentally.
"Once the playoffs start, it's not a bubble situation where you know you're going in there for what could be two months. You're going on the road for two games. You're in and out in two or three days, you're there to focus on the task at hand anyways.
"I don't necessarily buy into that part of it, but I think the comforts of playing in your own rink, sleeping in your own bed still matter. I think if you asked our guys, they'd rather have it."

Carlo to Return

Brandon Carlo will make his return to the lineup in New Jersey. He is likely to play the second end of the back-to-back on Tuesday night, which will mark his first game since suffering an oblique injury on April 1.
Kevan Miller, who has avoided playing both games of back-to-backs to manage the workload on his knee, is expected to suit up on Monday night.
"They're each going to play a game, and my guess is Kevan will be [Monday] and Carlo Tuesday, but I've got to confirm that with the medical staff because they have a plan in place for both of those players," said Cassidy. "What's the best way for them to come out of it the best for Thursday, so I'll double check on that. They'll each play a game and it won't be the same night."

Splitting the Net

Cassidy will also split up the B's goaltending duties with Tuukka Rask getting the start on Monday and Jeremy Swayman "probably" getting the nod on Tuesday.
"That's something we'll discuss again with Goalie [coach Bob Essensa] here today," said Cassidy.

Wagner Available

Chris Wagner will be available on Monday night after missing Saturday's game with an undisclosed injury. But whether or not the winger is in the lineup against the Devils is to be determined. Karson Kuhlman landed a career-high six shots on goal while subbing in for Wagner in the B's 6-2 win over the Sabres.
"We'll make a decision [on Monday] on who goes in on that line, but he'll be available," said Cassidy.