The Boston Bruins are facing a difficult task if they want to mount a comeback after their three consecutive disappointing losses to the Panthers in Games 2, 3, and 4. With only one win in the series, they are now in a tough spot. As they prepare for Game 5 tonight in Sunrise Florida, the Bruins must bring their A-game and leave no stone unturned to prevent Florida from advancing to the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals.
Boston Bruins Aim for Largest Series Comeback in Club’s History vs Florida Panthers
The pressure is on for the Bruins, as they have never successfully bounced back from a 3-1 deficit before. Although they have managed to force a Game 7 in some instances after being down 3-1, they have ultimately fallen short. They haven’t done that since 2009 against the Carolina Hurricanes. If the Bruins want to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference finals, they will need to defy the odds and make history.
Bruins Deal With Some Questionable Calls After Game 4
After review, Sam Bennett's equalizer will stand and the Panthers tie it up! 🐈 pic.twitter.com/1TqlbHRbwj
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 13, 2024
The Panthers evened the score 2-2 at 3:41 of the third period with a power play goal. Sam Bennett, who was the centre of controversy in Game 3 due to his hit on Brad Marchand, was the one who found the back of the net. Just before scoring, Bennett gave Bruins centre Charlie Coyle a cross-check from behind, causing him to collide with goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Although the Bruins challenged the goal for interference, the referees surprisingly confirmed it as a goal. Consequently, the Bruins had to go on the penalty kill after losing the challenge.
“Toronto ruled that it was a good goal, that the play didn’t interfere with the goal. That’s the explanation I got,” Montgomery said after the game. “We thought that Coyle was on top of our goaltender, and if Coyle was able to stand his ground, he could’ve cleared the puck. That inhibited our goaltender from being able to react to playing the puck.”
🎥 Coach Montgomery, Charlie Coyle, David Pastrnak, and Jeremy Swayman react following the #NHLBruins Game 4 loss to the Panthers: pic.twitter.com/tqOtj7gTWt
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) May 13, 2024
“I feel a push from behind, I go down on Sway. Puck trickles past and right to their guy, empty net. Figured I could probably turn around and make a play on it or clear it”, said Charlie Coyle post-game. “It’s a tough call, sometimes you gotta play through things and can’t make excuses”.
Bruins & Panthers Have Reversed Roles
A year has passed since the Bruins faced the challenge of injuries to key players Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Despite this setback, they managed to secure a 3-1 series lead against Florida. At that time, Bergeron and Krejci were on the verge of returning, and the emergence of Coyle and Pavel Zacha as potential top-six options brought hope for the post-Bergeron and Krejci era. Their performances in the first four games were exceptional, making the Bruins look like a stronger team overall. However, the Panthers refused to back down and found another level of play, with the comeback series victory against the Boston Bruins, they used their momentum to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
This year, the Bruins find themselves in a different situation. Due to salary cap constraints, their depth has been compromised, and they are entering a transitional season. On the other hand, the Panthers have maintained a stable roster from last year, giving them a strong foundation to make another deep playoff run. They possess all the necessary tools and are just as likely as any of the remaining eight playoff teams to compete for the coveted Stanley Cup.
In the last three games, the Bruins failed to display the level of desperation required to turn the series in their favour. Despite the confidence of the team, they will need a nearly flawless performance in Game 5 if they hope to extend the series and keep their playoff hopes alive. Don’t miss out on tonight’s game from Sunrise, Florida as the epic showdown continues!
Main photo credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
