Panthers from Florida
Representatives of the “sunny state” have been very unstable throughout the season, but managed to squeeze out the necessary series of victories at the right time. A streak of six wins and the corresponding 12 points allowed Paul Maurice’s team to jump into the last car, 1 point ahead of the unsuccessful Pittsburgh. The Panthers finished the regular season against the East Carolina No. 2 team, losing 4-6 in a swing game.
Bruins from Boston
At the end of March, 7 games before the end of the regular season, Boston became the owner of the President’s Cup. After setting several records, Jim Montgomery’s team had a great regular season, ending with still wins, but with a minimum of convincing victories. One can agree that even with some slackening, it’s a bit too much to miss 3 from Philadelphia and 4 from all over spoiled Montreal, leaving the clip in the lurch, with Florida being able to get the “bears” three times in each of the 4 head-to-head in this season.
Forecast
It’s very easy for the home side to win the first game of the series, but I’ll take a more interesting route, considering that Maurice’s side will be able to take 3 chances. Boston had previously been listed as a major contender for the Stanley Cup, but it’s one thing to make it into the regular season without recessions or slowdowns, and quite another to maintain a rhythm in a cup game where psychology dictates a lot. Of course, the hosts are in a great mood right now, but the opponent must be emotional too, because he got a ticket at the last minute. I suppose Florida is able to organize 3 goals, as in all 4 games this season (3-5, 5-2, 3-7, 4-3 overtime).