Lilleberg’s late goal denies Bruins immediate playoff clinch
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Boston. Emil Lilleberg scored on a rebound with 95 seconds left as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Saturday in Boston, snapping Tampa Bay’s three-game losing streak and preventing Boston from clinching a playoff berth outright; Brandon Hagel also scored, Andrei Vasilevskiy made 19 saves and Jeremy Swayman made 22 saves.
Boston’s loss extended the Bruins’ losing streak to five games and delayed their ability to clinch at home; the team still holds the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and could clinch if the New Jersey Devils beat the Detroit Red Wings in regulation tonight, while players and coaches said they would regroup and play the next scheduled game the following day.
More context
Timeline
- 1. April 5: Bruins lost in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers (NYT reported).
- 2. April 7: Bruins earned an overtime point against the Carolina Hurricanes (NYT reported).
- 3. Saturday (game night): Tampa Bay defeated Boston 2-1; Emil Lilleberg scored with 95 seconds remaining.
- 4. Postgame: Bruins’ losing streak reached five games; Boston missed chance to clinch a playoff berth outright.
- 5. Same night: NYT noted Boston could still clinch if New Jersey beat Detroit in regulation.
Why it matters
If you're a Bruins fan, this loss stings. It's the fifth in a row and it delayed the team's playoff clinch. But remember, the Bruins still hold the top wild-card spot. They could clinch if the Devils beat the Red Wings tonight. Keep an eye on that game.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
