Bruins Can Clinch Postseason Berth With Point in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS- The Bruins can take their first step towards the postseason by securing a second consecutive berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with at least a point on Wednesday night against the Blues.
Boston has 11 games remaining and is currently sitting at 99 points, 5 behind Tampa Bay for the top spot in the Eastern Conference with two games in hand. The Bruins have a 6-point lead - as well as two games in hand - on Toronto for second place in the Atlantic Division.

"I just read it," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said of the clinching scenario. "I always do the calculations, look at certain teams, what they can get…it would be great. That's the first step; you want to get in. We put ourselves in a good spot obviously, but until you're in you're not in. It will be an important first step for us if we're able to do that."
Per Cassidy, the Black & Gold should have the same lineup as they did on Monday night against Columbus, with the exception of Jordan Szwarz subbing in for Anton Blidh. Anton Khudobin will get the start in goal.
Adam McQuaid, who left the loss to the Blue Jackets early, is expected to play. After a limited practice on Tuesday, Torey Krug participated in the teams' optional morning skate.
"Adam's OK," said Cassidy. "We've seen around here that anything can happen, but right now he's fine, so hopefully he's ready to go at 7 o'clock tonight."

Second Act

It will be difficult to follow his opening act, but Ryan Donato is hoping to build on his three-point NHL debut when he suits up here in St. Louis. The 21-year-old skated alongside David Krejci and Danton Heinen on Boston's second line against the Blue Jackets and potted his first career goal, before tacking on two helpers in a stellar introduction at TD Garden on Monday.
"I want to help in whatever way I can," said Donato. "I was excited with the way I played two days ago, but I just want to do whatever I can to help the team and just come out with a positive attitude and willingness to do whatever they need."
Donato admitted that part of his impressive performance could be attributed to the adrenaline and excitement of his first game in the Spoked-B.
"I think my first shift my heart almost popped out of my chest, I was so excited and nervous," said the former Harvard standout. "Other than that, I came ready to focus and be ready to go. Coming with that mental mindset of just being ready, that it's just a hockey game is going to help me."

Wednesday's Projected Lineup

Brad Marchand - Riley Nash - David Pastrnak
Ryan Donato - David Krejci - Danton Heinen
Tommy Wingels - Jordan Szwarz - Brian Gionta
Tim Schaller - Sean Kuraly - Noel Acciari
Torey Krug - Brandon Carlo
Matt Grzelcyk - Kevan Miller
Nick Holden - Adam McQuaid
Anton Khudobin
Tuukka Rask