SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — The upcoming Florida-Boston rematch in the Stanley Cup playoffs is generating significant buzz with multiple storylines. The Panthers are aiming to advance further towards a return to the Stanley Cup Final, while the Bruins are seeking redemption after a surprising upset in last season's Round 1 series. The Panthers, well-rested after a few days off, will face the Bruins, who are riding high after a Game 7 overtime victory over Toronto.
The second-round series between the Panthers and Bruins is set to commence on Monday night in South Florida. Both teams, the top two in the Atlantic Division, are vying for a spot in the NHL's final four. Florida staged a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 deficit to eliminate Boston in Round 1 last year, and the Bruins had to overcome Toronto in a tense Game 7 to keep their season alive.
Despite Florida securing home-ice advantage by winning the Atlantic Division on the final day of the regular season, Boston believes their hard-fought Round 1 victory has prepared them for the challenge ahead. The Bruins view their resilience, mental toughness, and belief in each other as key factors that will aid them in the upcoming series against the Panthers.
Florida, having been off for a week since defeating Tampa Bay in Round 1, is eager to face Boston in a rematch. The Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk anticipated this matchup and is looking forward to the challenge.
Notably, Florida is in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive year, joining Carolina and Edmonton as the only teams with this achievement. The series between Boston and Florida this season saw the Bruins winning all four games, with two victories coming in overtime.
Special teams play will be crucial in the upcoming series, as power plays were not particularly effective in the regular-season matchups between the Bruins and Panthers. Boston went 2 for 13 on the power play, while Florida struggled with a 0 for 11 record. Additionally, Boston's ability to limit Florida's shots on goal will be a key factor, as the Bruins managed to restrict the Panthers to an average of 29 shots per game.
With Game 2 scheduled in Sunrise on Wednesday and Game 3 in Boston on Friday, both teams are gearing up for an intense battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
