Conference Final Preview: B’s vs. The Jerks

So the Eastern Conference has dwindled down to its final two teams: The Boston Bruins and The Carolina Hurricanes. For one team, anything less than this would’ve been a disappointment. For the other team, they’re just happy to be here. So, what do we have with this matchup?

Boston is still a powerhouse of a team. Their bounce-back ability after a loss this post-season has been impressive. Following a loss, Boston is 4-1 in the playoffs. This team doesn’t give their opponents any game-to-game momentum. They show up after a loss, almost like it never happened. Goaltending has been solid. Tuuka Rask has been steady, making the saves he has to, and more. He was dialed in for Boston’s 3-0, game 6 W over Columbus that sent them to the Round 3. A 39 save shutout was very convincing that he is the #1 goalie left in these playoffs. Special teams have chipped in too. CBJ went 0-4 on the power play in game 6, thanks to a solid PK% that’s running at 83.8%. Here’s the scary part about Boston: their power play hasn’t looked great. Only 3 attempts in their last two games, but still they haven’t been scoring much. I think it was due to the fact that Pastrnak and Marchand struggled to score early in round 2, even during 5 on 5 play. That’s not the case anymore. Pastrnak and Marchand finished with 4 points in the series. Not great numbers, but they’re heating up. They went cold for a few games, which is rare. But after games 5 and 6, these guys are looking deadly again. Give them a few power plays early in the series vs Carolina and things can get ugly very quick for the Hurricanes.

I know I said Carolina is “happy to be here” earlier. This is true, but they’re hungry for more and during their series vs the Islanders, they showed no signs of slowing down. My previous prediction of NYI over CAR in 5 games was…. well just awful. I thought the Islanders would shut them down defensively enough to get by. They did, but the Isles just couldn’t find any offense in round 2 and now they’re golfing (suck it). Carolina played solid defensive hockey which contributed to the Islanders’ struggles. Mrazek was sharp in goal, but was unfortunately injured in game 2. Things could’ve gotten real bad after that, but McElhinney stepped in and took over seamlessly. The Hurricanes will also have to go one without TVR who suffered a shoulder injury during game 2 that ended his season. That’s a blow to their D group. This team deserves so much credit though. They are playing with so much heart and will that you just can’t help but root for them.

So, what are we looking at as far as a matchup? Boston is a team that checks all the boxes: goaltending, offense, defense, and special teams (except PP for now). Carolina has been good defending and their offense is led by some guys you may have never heard of (Foegele and Teravainen). Boston however, is NOT the New York Islanders. They’re going to score. A lot. The Hurricanes will have to step up in a big way if they want a shot at advancing. My prediction is Boston in 6.

Written by Andrew Silvers

Twitter/Instagram: @asilvers55

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