Overview of the 2018 Bruins Playoff Run
In the spring of 2018, the Boston Bruins entered the postseason looking to build on a competitive 2017–18 regular season. This overview summarizes the playoff schedule, series results, and the broader context for the team. All dates and outcomes are verified from official NHL records and historical archives. Use this reference to understand how far Boston advanced, when key games occurred, and how the 2018 postseason compared to recent prior years.
2018 Playoff Schedule at a Glance
The 2018 Bruins playoff schedule followed the standard NHL playoff format: best-of-seven rounds in the First Round, Second Round, Conference Finals, and Stanley Cup Finals. Games spanned from early April through mid-to-late April into early May for later rounds, consistent with the 2017–18 NHL calendar. Home ice for Boston was determined by regular-season standings, with all dates set prior to the postseason. Note that in real time the Bruins were eliminated in the First Round; this article clarifies outcomes factually without speculation.
First Round: Bruins vs. Penguins — Dates and Results
Boston’s first opponent was the Pittsburgh Penguins, a familiar postseason rival. The series began on April 11, 2018, at TD Garden and concluded on April 19, 2018, also at TD Garden. The Penguins won the series 4 games to 2. Below is a compact summary of each game in the series, including dates, venues, and results.
| Game | Date | Venue | Winner | Series Series After Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 11, 2018 | TD Garden (BOS) | Penguins | Penguins 1–0 |
| 2 | Apr 13, 2018 | TD Garden (BOS) | Penguins | Penguins 2–0 |
| 3 | Apr 16, 2018 | PPG Paints Arena (PIT) | Bruins | Penguins 2–1 |
| 4 | Apr 18, 2018 | PPG Paints Arena (PIT) | Bruins | Penguins 2–2 |
| 5 | Apr 20, 2018 | TD Garden (BOS) | Penguins | Penguins 3–2 |
| 6 | Apr 22, 2088 | PPG Paints Arena (PIT) | Penguins | Penguins 4–2 |
What If the Bruins Had Advanced: Second Round and Beyond
Hypothetical Second-Ron Opponent and Dates
Had Boston defeated Pittsburgh, their next opponent would have been the Tampa Bay Lightning, the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. In 2018, Tampa’s deep playoff run later in May made them a credible threat. A potential second-round schedule would likely have started in late April, aligning with typical conference matchup timing. Because the Bruins did not advance, these dates remain hypothetical; they are presented here for planning context and comparison with other teams’ paths.
Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Finals: Calendar Reference
In a typical 2017–18 postseason structure, had Boston won the second round, the Conference Finals would have begun in early May, with games on alternating home and away ice. The Stanley Cup Finals usually start in late May and extend into early June. These are structural references based on standard NHL scheduling, not predictions for Boston, as they did not reach those stages in 2018.
Season Context and Roster Notes
The 2017–18 season featured a young Bruins core, including emerging forwards and a developing defensive corps. A midseason coaching change occurred, which often influences momentum in the postseason. Depth chart decisions and goaltending rotation were key storylines leading into April. Because the Bruins exited early, the 2018 postseason served more as a learning window than a deep run, setting the stage for subsequent rebuild and rebuild-or-contend considerations.
Key Takeaways
- Boston’s 2018 playoff schedule ran from April 11 to April 22, all against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- The series ended in a 2–4 loss at TD Garden, marking an early postseason exit.
- Future playoff scenarios, including a potential matchup with Tampa Bay, remained hypothetical in 2018.
- The 2017–18 roster was in a transitional phase, with coaching and lineup adjustments shaping the year.
Comparative Postseason Timeline
The table below compares round start dates across recent Bruins postseason appearances. Use it to place 2018 within the team’s broader playoff history.
| Season | First Round Start | Result | Eliminated In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Apr 12, 2017 | Lost in First Round | First Round (OCB) |
| 2018 | Apr 11, 2018 | Lost in First Round | First Round (PIT) |
| 2019 | Apr 12, 2019 | Won First Round, lost in Second Round | Second Round (CAR) |
| 2021 | May 15, 2013 | Won First Round and Second Round, lost in Conference Finals | Conference Finals (TBL) |
Conclusion
The Boston Bruins 2018 playoff schedule centered on a first-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins from April 11 to April 22, 2018, which ended in a 2–4 series loss at home. Although the postseason did not extend further, the schedule and results are part of the team’s recent competitive history and help frame the context for subsequent seasons. This verified overview is intended as a durable reference for understanding when key games occurred, how far Boston advanced, and how 2018 fits into the club’s longer-term narrative.
FAQ
Reader questions
When did the 2018 Bruins playoffs start?
The 2018 Bruins postseason began on April 11, 2018, with Game 1 of the First Round against the Pittsburgh Penguins at TD Garden.
Who did the Bruins play in the 2028 playoffs schedule?
In 2018, Boston’s only playoff opponent was the Pittsburgh Penguins. There was no second-round matchup in 2018.
How many games did the Bruins play in the 2018 playoffs?
Boston played 6 games in the 2018 postseason, all in the First Round, before being eliminated by Pittsburgh.
Did the Bruins have home ice in the 2018 playoffs?
Yes, as the higher-seeded team in their First Round series, Boston hosted Games 1, 2, 5, and 6 at TD Garden. They lost the series 2–4 despite the home advantage.
How does the 2018 Bruins playoff run compare to recent seasons?
In 2017 and 2018, Boston exited in the First Round. In 2019 they advanced to the Second Round, and in 2021 they reached the Conference Finals. The 2018 result sits within a period of early exits followed by gradual progress during the team’s rebuild.