News Article: The Bruins Most Favorable First-Round Matchup is…

[JustinCaron]

While teams continue to battle for playoff positioning as we close in on the end of the regular season, the Boston Bruins are on cruise control and have a chance to clinch the Presidents’ Trophy this week. The Bruins’ regular season has been one for the ages, and it’s time now to begin focusing on the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the season winding down, the Florida Panthers, New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins all remained in the midst of the wild-card race. However, when looking at the Bruins’ season series against each of these clubs, one team provides the most favourable matchup for Boston.

Boston Bruins' Most Favorable First-Round Matchup - The Hockey Writers Latest News, Analysis & More

The Boston Bruins are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference these Stanley Cup Playoffs and could have an easier path than most.

thehockeywriters.com

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[KrazyLegs]

Yup, I'm hoping for the Pens.

 

[KrugAvoy]

Agree. Penguins probably would be the "ideal" match up. Though I disagree with Florida being the least ideal. I think the least ideal would be the Islanders. They've been really good recently and Sorokin can easily steal a few games unlike Bobrovsky in my opinion

 

[Aussie Bruin]

Agree. Penguins probably would be the "ideal" match up. Though I disagree with Florida being the least ideal. I think the least ideal would be the Islanders. They've been really good recently and Sorokin can easily steal a few games unlike Bobrovsky in my opinion

Agree that the Islanders' could be a tough matchup but I wouldn't write off Bobrovsky for the Panthers. The thing with him is his inconsistency and the wide gap between his best and his worst. That best though is as good as anybody's. He has two Vezinas for a reason, and there will be Tampa players who haven't forgotten what he did to them in 2019. He's not the goalie he once was, but I think the potential for him to have a big series is still there.

I'd be confident of the Bruins' chances against Florida no matter what kind of service they get in net, but a Bob who is in form could certainly make it a harder contest. Equally, he could be terrible, but I wouldn't absolutely count on it.

 

[Fenway]

The Pens are in 'Last Hurrah' mode which can make them dangerous. Personally, I want the Pens to miss the playoffs because it will hurt their owners' bottom line.

The beauty of the NHL First Round is a bottom seed over the years can advance. Unfortunately in Bruins history during my lifetime the B's have been the team upset.

We are hearing the B's will play at home on Marathon Monday night, April 17th against somebody.

I will be honest - I can't wait

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

….

I’m still rooting for Buffalo to make it. Buffalo has scoring ability but their defense and goaltending positions are worse than bad

 

[KrazyLegs]

According to MoneyPuck, here's the likelihood of the Bs 1st-round matchup:

PIT – 38.5%
FLA – 33.2%
NYI – 24.7%
BUF – 2.6%
OTT – 0.9%

NHL Playoff Odds -MoneyPuck 2024 Playoff & Cup Odds

NHL Playoff Odds updated many times a day. Playoff seeding, Stanley Cup, and Draft Lottery Odds too.

moneypuck.com

 

[rocketdan9]

Yup, I'm hoping for the Pens.

If possible I rather face the Senators

Pens, Panthers, Islanders won't be easy matchups.

When you have to deal with Crosby, Malkin, Letang ... its a headache

 

[Blowfish]

Still want the Sabres for selfish reasons...Would be nice to watch a playoff game.

 

[Clint Eastwood]

I'm pretty confident against either the Pens or Panthers. Not that any matchup is easy (no playoff matchup is . . except maybe Nashville with David Rittich). Both teams definitely have their stars that can make a big impact, but I think the Bruins can take care of them.

The Isles have been playing pretty solid and steady hockey for a bit now without Barzal. Barzal may be coming back soon and they by far have the best goalie of the 3 teams I mentioned. I would still take the Bruins over them, but I think they're the team we are most likely to be upset by. And I would deem us losing to them 2 years ago an upset so it wouldn't be new news.


Any team below those 3 would have to go on an insane hot streak and I rather not face a confident young team with nothing to lose come playoff time.

 

[Bruinswillwin77]

Still want the Sabres for selfish reasons...Would be nice to watch a playoff game.

I've been to Keybank once and it was easy in comparison to Boston.