Game Day Preview: Boston Bruins Face the Florida Panthers
After a dreadful loss to the Washington Capitals last night, the Boston Bruins are set to face the Florida Panthers tonight at 7:30pm EST. We’ve been saying this all along, but tonight is really a MUST WIN game. With only two games left and currently holding the final wild card spot in the east, the Bruins hold their postseason fate in their hands tonight.
Krech: "Right now we have less than 24 hours to get ready for the next one. It's going to be the biggest game of the season"
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 9, 2015
The Bruins are currently tied in points with the Ottawa Senators, but the B’s take the final spot due to the tiebreaker. They had a chance to take a two point lead – and pass the Penguins in the process – by beating the Capitals last night, but for the third time this season Braden Holtby shutout the B’s. Now they must take two points tonight and hope the Sens fall in their matchup against the President’s Trophy winning Rangers.
Florida Panthers
The Bruins have had pretty good luck against the Panthers, winning two of their three matchups this season. However, both wins have been on home ice. The Panthers are out of the postseason and might be looking to play spoiler so the Bruins will have to play strong to take two.
Bergy was asked about line switches... "I don't think we can start thinking about chemistry or what not - we have to just do the job"
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 9, 2015
In last night’s game, Julien went with a whole new look for his lines in an effort to gain some momentum, but as the scoreboard reflected, these lines didn’t exactly work. Pastrnak and Connolly were getting bounced from line to line throughout the entire night and their on-ice play was effected. Connolly received two penalties and looked quite out of place, whereas Pastrnak was getting tossed around by the Caps. Finally, in the third period Julien decided to go back to the original lines and the Bruins looked like they could possibly get on the board. But in the end, they couldn’t figure out the riddle that is Braden Holtby. The loss brought them down to a 66.4% chance of making it to the playoffs. Still over 50%, but still not good enough.
Hopefully, in tonight’s game against the Panthers the lines are intact and the B’s are able to work together, be productive and come out with two points. You never know, maybe our old friend Shawn Thornton will help us out a little – wishful thinking.