The Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers are set for the third game of their best-of-seven series in round one of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
After taking Game 1 at home, the Bruins dropped Game 2, losing home-ice advantage in the series. The Panthers have played well through two games and will now try to gain even more momentum with their first home game of the series on tap.
I’ve been surprised by what I’ve watched in the first two contests. Boston had looked dominant all season, but they’ve struggled mightily in the early stages of this series.
Game 3 for the Bruins and Panthers will be pivotal.
What do the B’s need to do to regain control of this series and steal home-ice back from the Cats? Meanwhile, what do the Panthers need to do to keep the Presidents’ Trophy winners on their heels?
Boston Bruins
This is easier said than done, but the Bruins just need to relax. All season long, this has been the best team in the NHL. so splitting the first two games of the series should not create panic in that Boston locker room.
With that said, the expectations are sky-high for this team, so it’s easy to grip the sticks too tightly, force plays, and play with pressure. Maybe being away from home will help in that regard.
By no means is Game 3 a must-win for the Bruins, but a loss would probably make Game 4 that important. I’m expecting a bounce-back game from the B’s in Game 3.
Florida Panthers
Through two games in this series, the Panthers have been the better of the two teams. Having said that, the hockey world knows that this team is not better than the Bruins. So, how long can the Cats carry the play?
If you ask me, the answer to that question depends less on how Florida plays and more on how Boston plays. Still, the Panthers have to keep their foot on the gas. There can be no letting up, especially with the momentum currently in their favor.
They’ve got to make the Bruins take this series back, rather than hand it back to them.
Scoring Leaders
Goals
BOS – Marchand (2)
FLA – Montour (2)
Assists
BOS – Bertuzzi, Orlov, Zacha (2)
FLA – Tkachuk, Cousins (2)
Points
BOS – Bertuzzi (3)
FLA – Tkachuk (3)
Game 3 between the Bruins and Panthers is Friday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM, and the game will be seen on TNT.