Now of course, we’re not saying that the Boston Bruins should simply allow the Tampa Bay Lightning to pass them in the standings. What we’re saying is if that were something that happened, it wouldn’t be the worst thing.
As it stands right now, the Boston Bruins would face the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round. That isn’t necessarily the most daunting prospect unless you take a slightly deeper look at the standings.
The Blue Jackets are in fact a better team led lately by rookie goaltender Elvis Mezlerkins, than the third-place in the Atlantic, who would be the Bruins’ opponent if they themselves finished second.