The rematch from last year’s heartbreak is officially underway. With the Florida Panthers having a longer layoff, the Boston Bruins came in fresh off a Game 7 victory two days ago. The Bruins flew down to Florida and took complete advantage of a team that hadn’t played in over a week.
The Bruins’ depth was at the forefront and came through in a big way, as they defeated the Panthers 5-1. In fact, in both Game 1s, the Bruins have a goal differential of 10-2. It was a great collective effort with something to prove.
Swayman Remains Red Hot
The biggest question surrounding the Bruins these playoffs was whether head coach Jim Montgomery would use the tandem of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark. In the first round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he used Swayman in Game 1 and Ullmark in Game 2. He then turned back to Swayman for Game 3 and didn’t look back. The same question loomed prior to Game 1 against the Florida Panthers, but Swayman got the start for the opening contest. Safe to say, that was the right call, as he has the hot hand.
Swayman finished the first round with a .950 save percentage (SV%) and a 1.49 goals-against average (GAA). He has yet to allow more than two goals in a start this postseason and made sure to frustrate the Panthers in Game 1. The long layoff for the Panthers did not seem to bother them, as they came out ready to pounce on the Bruins. Swayman stood tall, making numerous key saves and did a great job of fighting pucks through traffic. He was at his best during the third period, as the Bruins were passive to start the period. The Panthers came out desperate, out-attempting the Bruins 25-8 and held the edge in shots on goal 10-4. Swayman answered the bell and was there to make every save.
Swayman finished the night with a 1.00 GAA, a .974 SV% and 2.31 goals saved above expected. He’s been nothing short of amazing and is one of the biggest stories of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With how he’s playing, the net belongs to Swayman and he’s earned the rights to the goal crease.
Defenseman and Depth Leading the Charge
With the firepower the Bruins have in David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand, you’d think they would be leading the way. Instead, it was the defensemen for the Bruins that led the charge. Sometimes that’s what you need in the playoffs, which is the unlikely candidates or unsung heroes to come through.
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