This is an 8* on BOSTON

Of the NHL’s four divisions, the East was the first to have all four playoff spots gobbled up. We now know that Pittsburgh will be the 1-seed and Washington will be the 2-seed. Boston and the Islanders are battling out for the 3-seed. Whoever finishes third will play Washington and whoever finishes fourth will play Pittsburgh, neither having home ice advantage. No matter what happens tonight, the Islanders have already won the season series from Boston as they are 5-2 head to head. But the Bruins have won the last two and are currently one point ahead in the standings. They can clinch third place with a win tonight. We think they will. Boston is off a 5-4 loss to the Rangers while the Islanders are off a 5-1 win over New Jersey. Both those games were played on Saturday. Though off a loss, the Bruins are 9-5 this season after scoring four or more goals and 7-1 L8 home games. The Islanders are 2-7 their last nine road games. Before beating the Devils on Saturday, the Isles lost twice in Buffalo and at home to New Jersey. Those are the bottom two in the division. Play on BOSTON

AAA