Bruins vs. Panthers second-round playoff preview, odds and prediction originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Bruins had their record-breaking 2022-23 NHL season end in heartbreaking fashion with a surprising first-round loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7. They have a chance for revenge in the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The B’s are through to the second round for the first time since 2021 after beating the rival Toronto Maple Leafs with a Game 7 victory in overtime in their first-round series.
One difference between this upcoming series and last year’s playoff matchup is the Panthers will have home ice advantage. They earned it after leapfrogging the Bruins for first place in the Atlantic Division on the final day of the regular season.
But that might not be a bad scenario for the Bruins. They’ve actually won four of their last six road playoff games, including impressive wins at Florida in Games 3 and 4 last season. Boston’s playoff record at TD Garden over the last two years is just 3-5.
Beating the Panthers will be difficult. They are deep, loaded with high-end talent and their goalie is a Vezina Trophy finalist. This team made a surprise run to the Stanley Cup Final a year ago and is determined to return and finish the job this time.
But don’t discount the Bruins in this series. The pressure of getting past the first round is over. This season, which was supposed to be a bridge year given the significant roster changes last summer, is already a success. There will still be some pressure on the Bruins, like in every playoff series, but this time they go into their matchup versus the Panthers as a clear underdog. And that’s something they can rally around.
Which team will emerge victorious and reach the Eastern Conference Final? Here’s a full playoff preview for Bruins vs. Panthers.
Series schedule
Game 1 at Florida: Monday, May 6 at 8 p.m. on ESPN
Game 2 at Florida: Wednesday, May 8 on ESPN (TimeTBD)
Game 3 at Boston: Friday, May 10 on TNT (TimeTBD)
Game 4 at Boston: Sunday, May 12 on TBS (TimeTBD)
Game 5 at Florida: Tuesday, May 14 (Time and TV channel TBD)
Game 6* at Boston: Friday, May 17 (Time and TV channel TBD)
Game 7* at Florida: Sunday, May 19 (Time and TV channel TBD)
*If necessary
Regular season head-to-head
Oct. 30 at Boston: Bruins 3-2 in OT
Nov. 22 at Florida: Bruins 3-1
March 26 at Florida: Bruins 4-3
April 6 at Boston: Bruins 3-2 in OT
Tale of the Tape
Here’s how the Bruins and Panthers compare in several important…