For the third and final time this season, the Boston Bruins take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Each team has won a game in their season series. In addition, each team is entering the second of a back-to-back set of games. Boston clinched the Atlantic Division and a playoff spot this month, whereas Carolina clinched a playoff spot. In addition, the Bruins are on a six game winning streak. The race is on for the Metropolitan Division crown and these points matter to Carolina.
Presenting your Atlantic Division champions! pic.twitter.com/Su5c3KD7wZ
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 25, 2023
Boston Bruins Preview Against Carolina
PNC Arena has been the Achilles heel for the Boston Bruins. To paint a beautiful picture, here is just how bad it has been. Including there lone game this season and playoffs last year, the Bruins have been outscored 26-7 when in that building. I am not sure what it is down South in Raleigh, but the team just struggles in that building. It won’t be easy, as both Carolina and Boston fans pack that barn it will be a playoff atmosphere.
With Linus Ullmark playing yesterday, Jeremy Swayman will take the create against Carolina. Swayman has been amazing as of late. He is 3-2 in his last five starts with a 1.83 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage. His counterpart will be Frederik Andersen. Like Swayman he is 3-2 in his last five starts with a 2.87 GAA and a .890 save percentage.
This game features a great offense in Boston against a smothering defense in Carolina. Boston ranks second averaging 3.74 goals for per game, whereas Carolina ranks second in average goals against per game. Both power plays for each club have struggled this season, but each team ranks high in penalty killing (Boston first, Carolina second).
These two teams are not strangers to one another and this has the makings of being a great hockey game. Puck drop is at 5:00 pm.