Boston Bruins v Florida Panthers – Round 1

So, the Boston Bruins v Florida Panthers begins today, April 17, 2023. Now, that the regular season for 2022-2023 is over. Let the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin.

Boston Bruins v Florida Panthers

In the regular season, the Panthers beat the Bruins twice. Their record against the Panthers in the 2022-2023 season was 2-1-1. In the 4 matchups, the Bruins outscored them 17-15 goals.

Although the Bruins were dominant in 2022-2023; the Panthers were one of two teams to beat them twice in the regular season.

Since the Florida Panthers have a lot of depth; could this be a problem for the Bruins?

Boston Bruins v Florida Panthers – Round 1 Schedule

Because the Bruins won the Presidents Cup; they will host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. Check out my Bruins Won Presidents Trophy 2023 post to learn more about their historic season.

In the best of 7 games, the schedule for Round 1 is as follows.

• Monday, April 17th – Game 1 – Florida in Boston – 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 19th – Game 2 – Florida in Boston – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 21st – Game 3 – Boston in Florida – 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 23rd – Game 4 – Boston in Florida – 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 26th – Game 5 – Florida in Boston – if necessary
• Friday, April 28th – Game 6 – Boston in Florida – if necessary
• Sunday, April 30th – Game 7 – Florida in Boston – if necessary

Because the Celtics are also in the first round of their playoff matchup against the Hawks; the Bruins will have 2 days off between Game 4 and Game 5. Check out my Celtics v Hawks to Meet in First Round 2023 post to learn about that series.

Difference Maker

Of course, the Bruins have been the best team in the NHL. But, surprisingly, the Panthers won the Presidents Trophy last year. However this year, they clinched their playoff spot in the final games of the regular season.

So, the Panthers were 5th in the NHL in goals scored. In addition to their strong offensive line; their defense has also scored. At the same time, their goaltending has been shaky.

Although the Bruins have had some key injuries throughout the season; their trade acquisitions – Tyler Bertuzzi, Dmitry Orlov, and Garnet Hathaway have made the Bruins even better.

In addition, David Pastrnak has scored the most goals for the Bruins this season with 61 scored. Also, the Captain, Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand have scored a lot of goals this season too.

Jim Montgomery has strong coaching philosophies which help the players stay present in big moments. Indeed, his style has certainly helped the team achieve 135 points and the most wins in a regular season. Will his impressive coaching style help the Bruins skate to the finish line with them hoisting the Stanley Cup Trophy?

In essence, Montgomery’s strong coaching style has led to the overall success of the team.

Who Will Win

So, who do you think will win? Will the Bruins who have the best record in the NHL throughout the 2022-2023 win? More importantly, will their dominance continue? Or, will the Panthers surprise the Bruins?

Since the Boston Bruins have been the best all year; I expect them to have an advantage over the Florida Panthers.

Also, since the Panthers have a losing record at TD Gardens. this could also make a difference.

Moreover, the Bruins have had a winning record in FLA Live Arena in 45 games.

Although this series won’t be an easy one; I am hoping the Bruins success of the regular season continues for Round 1. Also, with the Bruins having a Home Ice advantage throughout the playoffs; this should help them move onto the next round.

Finally, as long as the Bruins can remain healthy; they have an opportunity to be in the Stanley Cup Finals.

As always, I welcome your comments on the Boston Bruins v Florida Panthers. Will you be watching this series? Of course, there will be late nights watching this series at my house.