BOSTON (AP) — The NHL record-setting Boston Bruins solely have to look over on the opposing bench to see what’s occurred to Presidents’ Trophy winners for practically the final decade.
Coming off a document common season that earned them the award with probably the most factors (135) and wins (65) in league historical past, the Bruins start their opening-round playoff collection on Monday evening at TD Backyard in opposition to the Florida Panthers in Recreation 1 of the best-of-seven collection.
“They have been in our footwear final 12 months as Presidents’ Trophy winners,” Boston’s first-year coach Jim Montgomery stated. “And I believe for the reason that All-Star break, the document is likely one of the prime six groups within the league.”
Each groups enter off a scorching stretch. The Bruins received their closing eight video games and 15 of 16, whereas Florida had a six-game profitable streak to clinch its wild-card spot earlier than dropping its closing two.
Boston seems to change into the primary Presidents’ winner for the reason that 2013 Chicago Blackhawks to hoist the Stanley Cup. Satirically, they skated round TD Backyard with it after beating the Bruins in Recreation 6 that 12 months.
“It’s been a magical season up to now,” Montgomery stated after clinching house ice all through the playoffs. “We all know the toughest half is forward of us and we’re trying ahead to that grind.”
The Panthers actually perceive what it’s like to hold the highest document into the postseason. Final 12 months, they obtained by means of a playoff spherical for the primary time since 1996, then obtained swept within the subsequent by Tampa Bay.
“It’s the correct problem for us this 12 months. So thrilling. Such a monumental problem,” Florida coach Paul Maurice stated. “And that’s the place you wish to be within the NHL and in professional sports activities. You wish to be within the massive recreation.”
In the event that they discovered something from final 12 months, the Panthers might perceive that being No. 1 total gives further incentive for the opponent.
“We’re sort of going up in opposition to — I imply, let’s say it for what it’s — the perfect workforce in common season historical past right here,” ahead Matthew Tkachuk stated. “We now have an opportunity to do one thing very, very particular. But it surely’s going to take lots of preparation, lots of execution.”
It’ll be the primary collection between the No. 1 seed and the Presidents’ winner from the earlier season for the reason that award was launched in 1985-86.
Boston goaltender Linus Ullmark had a fast reply when requested about his workforce’s data.
“For us, it’s the Stanley Cup. That’s all that issues,” stated Ullmark, who lead the league in wins (40), objectives in opposition to common (1.89) and save proportion (.938).
“Information are supposed to be damaged,” he stated. “However after getting the {hardware}, it might probably by no means be taken away from you.”
Boston’s final title got here in 2011.
CHECK THEM
Bruins ahead Brad Marchand left Saturday’s observe early with what Montgomery referred to as “somewhat little bit of soreness.” Captain Patrice Bergeron, who exited the regular-season finale with an upper-body harm, obtained what the coach referred to as some “further relaxation.” Ullmark left the penultimate recreation with soreness, however was again at observe and heart David Krejci returned, too, after lacking the ultimate six video games.
Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, hasn’t performed since March 27 after being sidelined with a non-COVID sickness. They’ve relied on a robust stretch from backup Alex Lyon.
TAKE TWO
The Panthers are certainly one of simply two groups to beat the Bruins twice this season. Ottawa, a non-playoff workforce, is the opposite. Boston was 2-1-1 in opposition to Florida.
“Each recreation was tight,” Montgomery stated. “They’re a very good hockey workforce.”
SPECIAL UNIT
The Bruins had the league’s prime penalty-killing unit at 87.28% and had the widest hole between any two spots, practically 3% forward of Carolina, which was second-best.
QUICK ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
Boston didn’t spend a lot time having fun with their success. It was rapidly onto the postseason.
“We took 5 minutes and celebrated it and we moved on,” goalie Jeremy Swayman stated after the finale. “We all know there’s an even bigger objective in thoughts.”
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