With the NHL officially on pause for the Olympic break, the Boston Bruins find themselves clinging to a playoff spot - sitting four points ahead of both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals for the final Eastern Conference wild-card position. It’s a decent cushion, but hardly a comfortable one, especially with a tough stretch of hockey waiting on the other side of the break.
The next couple of weeks will see NHL players trading their club sweaters for national colors, living out the dream of representing their countries on the Olympic stage. Boston is sending eight players overseas, a testament to the talent on this roster - but also a potential concern when it comes to fatigue and injuries down the stretch.
And that’s where things get interesting.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, there’s growing chatter around the league that some players may be pushing through injuries just to make it to the Olympics - and once the tournament wraps, we could see a wave of players being shut down. Friedman didn’t name names, but he hinted that there are “a couple cases out there” where players might be hanging on by a thread, only to be sidelined once the NHL schedule resumes.
That’s not just a storyline for the teams involved - it could impact the playoff race across the board. Even clubs that are out of contention will be facing desperate opponents fighting for every point. Starting February 25, the intensity ratchets up, and every shift will matter.
For the Bruins, the hope is that none of their key contributors are among those potentially facing extended time off. Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm both missed the team’s final two games before the break with injuries, and their status will be closely watched once play resumes. Boston’s margin for error isn’t wide, and losing either player for a significant stretch could tilt the balance in a crowded wild-card race.
The Olympic break offers a chance to reset - but it may also bring clarity on just how banged up some rosters really are. For the Bruins and their fans, the next few weeks are about more than just national pride. They’re about staying healthy, staying sharp, and staying in the hunt.