The Boston Bruins have just won their first playoff series in 10 years with a sweep of the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, even though my prediction was the B's in six games. It was a well played series for the Bruins and it showed just how tough they play their hockey. The goal differential for the Bruins was +11 which shows how well the defense and Tim Thomas have played so far in the playoffs. I got a real good sense of the toughness displayed by this Bruins team and the animosity that these two teams and their fan base has for one another.
Captain Zdeno Chara had this to say after the game:
Obviously, the first year we didn't make the playoffs and the second year we lost in Game 7, now this year we're moving on to the second round but I don't think, 'This is it, we should be satisfied.' We all know we have to go towards the goal and this is just the first step.
Up next for the Bruins will be either a very re-energized New York Rangers team , the Pittsburgh Penguins, or the Carolina Hurricanes (depending on the outcomes of their series.) I think the Bruins have a shot to beat any of those three teams in a series and look forward to the second round.
Personally, I’d like to see the toughest team in the second round. After we get some rest and their series goes six or seven games, we’re going to have fresh legs and they’re not. I also didn’t know the NHL re-ordered brackets each round, is that the case Matt?
Yep, that’s how they do it. There’s an asterix about it in my predictions article. The lowest seed left will always play the highest seed left in the round.