Florida has thrived under pressure for months. The Bruins have yet to face it. https://t.co/jAZO7dtyFC
– masslivesports (@masslivesports) April 29, 2023
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The Boston Bruins have been alone in first place in the Eastern standings since October 20. Yes, on the ninth day of the 2022-2023 NHL schedule.
With 17 wins in their first 19 games and 15 wins in their last 16 games, there was never any doubt that the Big Bad Bruins would finish the season atop the overall standings. With 65 wins in a single season, the Bruins broke the record of 62 set by the Red Wings and Lightning.
That's all well and good. The problem is, this team hasn't experienced pressure… all season long.
Today, Boston finds itself in a position where they could lose in the first round to the Panthers, a club that…
- finished the season 18th in the NHL, 43 points behind the Bruins
- has as many wins (42) as the Bruins have victories by two goals or more
- allowed 98 more goals than the Bruins during the season.
On the other hand, the Panthers had to play under pressure for much of the season. On January 1, the Panthers were 13th in the East, with a record of 16-18-4. To make the playoffs, the team had to dig deep and fight hard.
How will the NHL's best team react tonight, when they'll be under pressure for the first time this season? Veterans like Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand have already experienced it, but what about the rest of the team?
It would be a shame for the best season in modern NHL history to be wasted in the first round, but it would be a lesson for teams playing on cruise control in the regular season.
Adversity is nothing to sneeze at.
Remember that the Presidents' Trophy winner has only won the Stanley Cup twice since the 2004-2005 lockout.
It all comes down to tonight.
In a gust
– Bruins mystery.
Montgomery wouldn't give his lineup changes, but Swayman was the first goalie off and Foligno stayed out on the ice late. Clifton was also out late. Take it for what you will
– steve conroy (@conroyherald) April 30, 2023
– Rick Bowness would not be in danger.
GM Kevin Cheveldayoff says Rick Bowness and his staff did a great job. Confirms he's coming back next season.
Of Game 5 post-game comments and fallout: Believes they were said in heat of moment, and won't be any issue going forward with players.
– Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) April 30, 2023
– Legends react.
Maple Leafs legends on the end of the drought and what comes next – ‘They deserve this'
My latest:via @TheAthletic https://t.co/Sgr311zqSV
– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) April 30, 2023
– Not wrong.
All the sudden playoff outlook looking good for the Leafs, will either get a Bruins teaming coming off a Game 7 in a series where they looked “meh” (still would be a tough series tho) or the Florida Panthers. If they advance to the 3rd RD, Metro teams are good but not scary good.
– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) April 30, 2023
