The 2024-25 season is over and it’s a painful one. Brian Dumoulin scored 90 seconds into overtime to give the Devils a 5-4 win. The Bruins miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Dumoulin’s OT Winner Seals It
Dumoulin was the hero for the Devils, scoring the OT winner to snap the Devils three game losing streak. The win was big for the Devils who had already clinched and will play the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs. For the Bruins, it was the end of a season that was a total disappointment.
Timo Meier led the way for New Jersey with a goal and two assists, Jake Allen made 20 saves and Dawson Mercer had a goal and an assist to help turn the tide for the Devils.
Too Little, Too Late for the Bruins
Despite being down early, the Bruins showed some life in their final game of the season. Former Harvard hockey captain John Farinacci made his NHL debut and scored his first career goal late in the second period. Farinacci’s goal cut the Devils’ lead to 4-3 and gave Boston hope for a comeback. David Pastrnak added to his impressive season with a goal and an assist and finished with 106 points—his third straight 100-point season.
But it wasn’t enough to overcome New Jersey’s second period surge. Stefan Noesen and Simon Nemec scored 30 seconds apart to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead and the Devils never looked back.
A Lost Season for Boston
The Bruins finished the season 25-30-7 under interim coach Joe Sacco who took over after Jim Montgomery was fired on November 19.
Under Sacco, the team was never consistent and finished last in the Atlantic Division and possibly the entire Eastern Conference. Jeremy Swayman made 21 saves but couldn’t prevent the Bruins from ending the season on a sour note.
This is the first time since 2016 the Bruins won’t make the playoffs—a big change from recent years. For Bruins fans the offseason now turns to the NHL Draft Lottery where the team could be anywhere from 4th to 8th in the draft.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Devils still have a game left to play on Wednesday night at home against the Detroit Red Wings then the playoffs. For the Bruins the offseason starts now and there’s a lot of questions. Will Joe Sacco be back as head coach? How will they address their weaknesses? All those questions will be talked about in the coming weeks.
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