Sunday, April 30, 2023

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What are the Panthers doing that's giving the Bruins so much trouble?


Kristen Shilton, NHL reporter: The Panthers had/have nothing to lose here. That mentality is clearly helping Florida handle the emotional swings of this series better than the Bruins. Many of these Panthers remember how it feels to be under pressure as Presidents' Trophy winners. Boston tenses up with every back-and-forth frame, every little mistake. Florida has simply stayed in the fight knowing it doesn't have to be perfect; it just has to get it done.

What's your final score prediction for Panthers-Bruins Game 7? 

Clark: 5-4 OT Panthers. There's little reason to think there won't be tons of goals, given the Bruins and Panthers have averaged a combined 8.4 per game since Game 1. And while the Bruins were one of the NHL's best defensive teams, the Panthers led the league in most danger chances per 60 and have scored 11 goals in their past two games.

Ocal: 4-3 OT Bruins. Panthers push hard -- this one has tons of drama -- but the Bruins' record-breaking season rolls on, with plenty to unpack in the first round. I'm curious whether Jeremy Swayman starts Game 7.

Shilton: 5-4 OT Bruins. Matthew Tkachukwill lead this spirited Panthers group to a dramatic finale. But with their seasons on the line, I'm betting on Boston's experience over Florida's gumption.

Wyshynski: 4-2 Panthers. One team is playing with house money, taking on that "you guys all thought we'd get swept" mindset that Tkachuk put voice to a few games ago. The other team is watching the balloons pop at its coronation party. Do I put my faith in the best regular-season team (from a standings perspective) in NHL history or the unwavering voodoo of the Presidents' Trophy curse? I choose chaos.