AND HERE… WE… GO…
But once puck drops at 7:30pm, all of that will be in the past.
It all starts tonight.
Here is what the roster would be presumed everyone is healthy.
FORWARDS:
Maddie Meyer.
He’s currently dealing with both injury and sickness as a bug has run through the Bruins locker room.
UPDATE PER JIM MONTGOMERY: Patrice Bergeron is a game-time decision tonight.
Brad Marchand’s goal scoring dried up late in the year but he isn’t worried.
After snapping a 16 game goalless streak Marchand said he was laughing at the drought.
They will need his leadership and experience if they want to make a run.
Got the monkey off his back and we’ll see if he can bring the offense.
JD seems to thrive in big moments in the postseason as well.
We all know Playoff Krech always arrises to the occasion.
And he looks healthy too.
He played in every single game this year for the first time in his career.
If the B’s want to make a run, the 3rd line is going to be incredibly crucial.
Bertuzzi has been an excellent pick up.
His vision and IQ stood out to me in his 21 game stretch after being traded to Boston.
He can muck it up for sure but he’s a sick passer.
Not 100% sure he’s 100%, but he’s looked really solid since his return.
I like the 3rd line and their matchup and it starts with CC.
I think they’ll be the difference makers in this series.
Nick Foligno who also suffered a knee injury late in the year will make his return to the lineup.
Sounds like Trent Frederic would be the odd man out, and I hate that for him.
He’s a monster on the PK and for winning faceoffs and will be crucial this time of year.
Garnet Hathaway, acquired from Washington has made a nice home at right wing on the 4th line.
His style of play is a match made in heaven for the playoffs.
He’ll bring the snarl and is certainly not afraid to hit bang bodies.
The Bruins split up their studs, allowing Hampus Lindholm to play alongside Brandon Carlo.
What a year he’s had, 10 goals, 43 assists for 53 points in 80 games.
Erik Karlsson will win, but Lindholm should be in the contention for the Norris.
His ruggedness and PK prowess has been missed.
Think Forbort would’ve been a welcome addition after getting a few more practices under his belt.
That being said, it doesn’t matter cause Forbort is in tonight, likely paired with Connor Clifton.
GOALIES:
Steve Babineau.
He’s been outstanding all year long.
40 wins, .938 SV%, 1.89 GAA (led entire NHL in all 3 categories).
Brandon Bussi has been recalled from Providence.
Jeremy Swayman has been sick but did take part in an optional skate this morning.
If he can’t go, Bussi will back up.
Aleksander Barkov for the Panthers is what Patrice Bergeron is to the Bruins.
Just an all around centerman who can do everything.
That being said…
Jim Montgomery called Matthew Tkachuk their emotional leader… and he is.
He is their Brad Marchand.
He’ll be stirring it up every chance he gets.
Tkachuk finished the year with 109 points (40 goals, 69 assists).
He, along with Sasha Barkov, are your players to watch.
Can’t take them lightly.
In other words, he’s hot.
Florida will ride him until they feel they need to go to Bobrovsky.
This will be his first postseason action.
Florida’s PP on the other hand clicks at 22.8%, good for 10th best in the league.
Boston boasts the best PK in the league with Derek Forbort and company eating shots (87.3%).
David Krejci and Derek Forbort are definitely in.
Sounds like Nick Foligno will make his return tonight as well.
Just have to take care of business.
It’s been a special regular season but the real season starts tonight.
It’s certainly not going to be a cake walk.
Time to make a run because we may not see Bergeron or Krejci after it.
Do it for them.
Series Prediction: Bruins in 5.
SERIES ODDS:
Provided by the Barstool Sportsbook.
