NHL.com continues its preview of the 2025-26 season.

For the eight Eastern Conference teams that missed the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their goal since the regular season ended has been determining how to extend their season into June, like the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers did.

So how can those teams take the next step? As training camps continue, NHL.com today examines why fans of the eight teams can hold on to their playoff hopes (teams listed in alphabetical order):

BOSTON BRUINS

Last season: 33-39-10, 15 points out of second wild card

How it ended: A win Feb. 1 tied the Bruins with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second wild card, but they won just seven of their final 28 games (7-17-4) to miss the postseason for the first time since 2015-16.

Biggest offseason change:

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