Bruins Hit Olympic Break Eyeing Playoff Push, Home Ice Momentum
The Bruins hit the Olympic pause after their 57th game of the 2025-26 season, closing out the pre-break stretch with back-to-back shootout losses, the latest coming against the Florida Panthers. Now, with several players already overseas preparing to represent their countries on the international stage, the rest of the roster is staying back, using the time to rest, reset, and sharpen up for the final sprint of the regular season.
Pastrnak: “We’re in a Good Spot”
After the shootout loss in Florida, star winger David Pastrnak offered a measured, veteran perspective on where the team stands heading into the break.
“We have a lot of space to improve as a team and the way we play,” Pastrnak said. “But at the same time, we are in a good spot.
We’re in a good spot heading into the last 20 or so games. Just gotta make sure we dial in on the break… mentally regroup and come back strong… and be ready for the big run and hunt for the playoffs.”
It’s classic Pastrnak-honest, focused, and locked in on the bigger picture. The Bruins have shown flashes of dominance this season, but consistency will be the key if they want to turn potential into a legitimate playoff run.
Home Ice Advantage Returns
Once Olympic action wraps up-the Men’s hockey prelims begin February 11, with the Gold Medal game set for the 22nd-the Bruins don’t waste any time getting back to business. Their first post-break matchup comes on home ice against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team that’s struggled this season but still presents a challenge, especially with former Bruin Charlie Coyle in the mix.
And here’s where things get interesting: while Boston dropped both games on their recent Florida road trip, they’ve been lights-out at TD Garden. The Bruins are riding a nine-game win streak at home, and that clash with Columbus is a golden opportunity to extend it-and build momentum heading into the final stretch.
From there, it’s a quick trip to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers in the second of four meetings this season. Boston took the first matchup in convincing fashion, a 6-3 win that capped off their ninth straight home victory. But this one’s on the road, and with playoff implications starting to tighten, every point matters.
As it stands, the Bruins are holding onto a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. That grip isn’t exactly firm, so these next few games-especially against teams below them in the standings-are critical.
March: The Stretch That Could Define the Season
March brings a balanced schedule, with the Bruins splitting time between home and away. But it’s not just about the volume of games-it’s about the opponents.
While there are matchups with Western Conference teams on the docket, the most meaningful battles will be within the East. The Canadiens, currently holding the second playoff spot, loom large. The Bruins will travel to Montreal on March 17 in what could be a pivotal divisional showdown.
Even more crucial? A matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, who are just one point ahead of Boston in the Atlantic Division standings. That game could swing the balance of power in the race for playoff positioning-and potentially home ice in the first round.
April: The Final Test
April closes out the regular season, and it’s not a soft landing. The Bruins will face some of the top teams in the East, including two matchups with the Tampa Bay Lightning and one more against the Panthers. Both Tampa and Carolina are already in strong playoff position, and if the Bruins want to prove they belong in that upper tier, those games will be their chance to make a statement.
The Bruins have had trouble in the past shaking off the rust after extended breaks, and this Olympic pause comes at a particularly delicate time. Their last game before the break was one of the most penalty-heavy of the season-discipline will be a major focus moving forward. If they can clean up their time in the box and stay out of their own way, there’s still a real path to a deep postseason run.
But if the bad habits creep back in, the playoff picture could get blurry fast.
So here we are. The Bruins have 20 or so games left.
They’re in the hunt, they’ve got the talent, and they’ve shown they can win-especially at home. The question is whether they can carry that energy through the break and into the most important stretch of the season.
The puck drops again soon. Let’s see if the Spoked-B can make their move.