Ticket Punched

We can all breathe a sigh of relief. The Bruins host the Senators, a possible first round opponent, on Thursday at 7:00 PM on NBCSN and NESN.

• It took some quick adjustments and strategizing for Bruce Cassidy to cover a major penalty to a key player, strengths he has displayed since taking over the team. Boston Globe
• The embarassing penalty left the Bruins in the lurch. The shutout win allows the possibility of the Bruins finishing second in the division and a look at Ottawa on Thursday as a potential first-round opponent. Patriot Ledger
• Perfect Patrice Bergeron was on his game last night, most notably at the faceoff dot. He now has something in common with David Krejci, Chris Kelly, and Joonas Kemppainen. WEEI
• And suddenly everyone has shut up about Tuukka Rask. Imagine that. Boston Herald
• There are a few good reasons that opponents had better not underestimate the Bruins. ESPN
• This will be David Pastrnak’s first NHL postseason. With a few key instructions from his coach to focus on, he is eager and excited even more so than normal. Boston Herald
• Brandon Carlo is also readying for his firt taste of NHL playoff hockey, and has notably not missed a single game this season. Providence Journal
• BAD Brad Marchand, BAD! A hearing has been scheduled for tomorrow in last night’s spearing incident. The Score Has there been a sustained uptick in foul stickwork, or are star players simply defending themselves? ESPN
• The first reports on Charlie McAvoy are pretty positive. Bruins Daily
• Ryan Fitzgerald is also learning the ropes down in Providence. Bonus- the PBruins are in the hunt for a playoff spot with an important weekend ahead. Providence Journal