So, the 2024 Boston Bruins advance to the 2nd round. Although Game 7 went into overtime, the Bruins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 1 with a score of 2-1.
2024 Boston Bruins Advance to 2nd Round
Since this series could have gone either way; it was nice to see the team move on to the 2nd Round. After being up 3 – 1, the Bruins let the Toronto Maple Leafs back in, and the team pushed their way into a Game 7.
Because last year, the team was eliminated in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; I wondered if they were doomed to be eliminated again in Round 1. To read about last year’s historical team; visit my Bruins Historic Season Ends post.
What did the Bruins Learn from Round 1
Meanwhile, the Bruins were facing back-to-back 3 – 1 leads. Both in 2023 and in 2024, it appeared they were on the verge of being eliminated in Round 1. However, Jim Montgomery decided to change things up for Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Instead for Game 7, the coach had them stay at a hotel on Friday night and take a bus to TD Garden. Montgomery wanted to eliminate any distractions.
Did David Pastrnak’s goal in overtime help change things?
In addition, Montgomery has given the role of Goal Tender to Jeremy Swayman for Round 2.
Moreover, Montgomery is hoping the changes he made in Game 7 carry over to Round 2 against the Panthers.
2024 Boston Bruins v Florida Panthers
Last year, the Florida Panthers defeated the Bruins in the first round.
Do the Panthers have their number? Of course, that is the question many sports analysts and fans have.
So, this series schedule is as follows.
- Monday, May 6th – the puck will drop for Game 1 at 8:00 p.m. in Florida
- Wednesday, May 8th – Game 2 time – TBD in Florida
- Friday, May 10th – Game 3 will take place in Boston – Time TBD.
- Sunday, May 12th – Game 4 will be in Boston – Time TBD
- Tuesday, May 14th – Game 5 if needed will take place in Florida
- Friday, May 17th – Game 6 if needed will be in Boston
- Finally, if needed Game 7 will be in Florida on May 19th
Although the Bruins beat them in the regular season; will their record hold up in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
Who Will Win
In the regular season, the Bruins won all four games. They won in overtime on October 30th in Boston, and again on November 22nd. Also, they won on March 26th in Florida. And, their final match-up was in Boston which the Bruins won in overtime on April 6th.
Due to these teams having a long-standing rivalry; who will prevail? In the regular season, the Panthers won by a single point over the Bruins to take the Division Crown. But, last year, the Bruins had the best record in the NHL and they were eliminated in Round 1. To read more about their Presidents Trophy in 2023; check out my Bruins Won Presidents Trophy 2023 post.
Because the Florida Panthers dominated in Round 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning; will their dominance carry through in Round 2? In addition, the Panther’s offense was on full display. Although the Panthers offense was dominant in their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning; their defense struggled. They gave up approximately 3 goals per game.
Since the Bruins were eliminated early in Round 1 in 2023; will this help them in Round 2?
Although the Bruins have a solid defensive team; will this hold up?
Moreover, with the Bruins Round 1 going 7 Games; they may not be as rested as the Florida Panthers. Even though the Panthers lost all 4 games in the regular season; their Goalie is as good as Swayman.
The Panthers are considered the better team for this series and are expected to advance to Round 3.
As always, I welcome your comments on will the 2024 Boston Bruins Advance to Round 3 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.