Bruins Clinch Playoff Spot With Win Against Panthers

The Boston Bruins clinched a playoff birth with a 7-3 win against the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center on Saturday. Seven players scored for the Bruins, including Zdeno Chara, who scored his 200th career goal.

Chara became the 22nd defenseman to reach the 200-goal mark. He scored on a wrist shot from the high slot to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead in the 2nd period.

It was a big day for Chara, as general manager Don Sweeney announced earlier in the day that the Bruins and Chara had reached agreement on a one-year, $2 million contract extension.

Noel Acciari, Brad Marchand, Karson Kuhlman, Steven Kampfer, David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron also tallied goals in the Bruins' victory over Florida.

Jaroslav Halak made 31 saves for Boston.

Jayce Hawryluck, Mike Hoffman and Vincent Trocheck scored for the Panthers.

The Bruins (46-20-9) have won four in a row and lead the Toronto Maple Leafs by seven points for second place in the Atlantic Division.

Boston has now qualified for the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.