The Boston Bruins are gearing up for a must-win Game 7 against the Florida Panthers on Sunday night. With a loss, the Bruins will be eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. However, the stakes are higher than just playoff elimination. The Bruins’ record-breaking regular season could become just another footnote in the NHL’s “Presidents’ Trophy curse” file. Additionally, the future remains uncertain for veteran stars Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. The team’s playoff run with these two players is part of what’s driving their teammates.
Bruins likely to make lineup changes
The Bruins held a 3-1 series lead before losing two straight games to the Panthers. As a result, lineup changes are expected for Boston. While Bruins coach Jim Montgomery did not reveal his starting goalie for Game 7, there were indications that Linus Ullmark would be replaced by 24-year-old Jeremy Swayman, who was the first goalie off the ice during the team’s morning skate. Swayman has not started a game since the Bruins’ season finale on April 13. He and Ullmark were a tandem in the regular season, with Swayman appearing in 37 games and posting a 24-6-4 record. He has a .907 save percentage and a 3-3 record in seven playoff appearances.
Bruins relish the pressure
The Panthers have forced the series to seven games by capitalizing on Bruins’ uncharacteristic mistakes. Bruins forward Charlie Coyle said his team will relish the pressure that the Panthers have been feeling for the past two games. “It doesn’t matter if they won the last two or we won the last two. It’s one game now.” The Bruins must not beat themselves by giving the Panthers momentum, chances, and power plays. The Panthers have preyed on those mistakes to force the series to seven games. Star forward Matthew Tkachuk predicted the series would go to seven games after Florida avoided elimination in Game 5. “It’s going right at the head of the beast when you’re playing in Boston,” said Tkachuk.
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