The Eastern Conference playoff matchups are now set, and the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins will have a formidable opponent in the Florida Panthers. The series is set to kick off on Monday in Boston on the opening night of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Bruins must put their record-setting regular season in their rearview mirror as they embark on their quest for the Cup. The Bruins ended their season on an eight-game winning streak, while the Panthers put together a six-game winning streak down the final stretch before dropping their last two games. Today, we take an in-depth look at the two Atlantic Division foes’ first-round matchup in what will be a tough first test for the heavily favored Bruins.
Bruins vs. Panthers Season Series
Through four meetings against the Bruins, the Panthers were one of only two teams (Ottawa Senators) who were able to beat the Bruins twice this season. The two teams alternated wins in each of the four games they played against each other. Home ice may play a significant role in the series as both teams secured wins in their respective buildings during the season series.
The first meeting came early in the season, as the Bruins picked up a 5-3 win on Oct. 17. The game had no shortage of penalties handed out, with the Panthers taking five and the Bruins taking six minors. Boston jumped out to a 4-1 lead before the Panthers scored twice in the third period making things interesting. Jake DeBrusk ended the Panthers’ comeback effort with an empty-net goal to secure the victory for the Bruins. DeBrusk had a three-point night with two goals and one assist. Linus Ullmark turned away 38 of 41 shots against, as the Panthers outshot Boston, 41-33.
The Panthers picked up a 5-2 win in front of their home crowd on Nov. 23. Similar to their first meeting, the game was a penalty-filled affair, and special teams played a role in the outcome. Florida went three for seven, while the Bruins went two for six on the power play. Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad each had one goal, and two assists to lead the Panthers to victory. Spencer Knight had a strong performance in the Panthers’ net with 37 saves on 39 shots. Jeremy Swayman started for the Bruins, allowing four goals on 30 shots faced.
The Bruins dominated the third meeting, winning the game by a score of 7-3. Patrice Bergeron had a four-point game with two goals and two assists. Once again, Boston jumped out to…
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