Boston Bruins - Florida Panthers predictions and free betting tips [17/05/2024]

Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers will clash tomorrow morning in the 6th match of the NHL Eastern Conference playoffs.

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins continue their battle to extend the season following a victory in the last game against the Florida Panthers. In the previous match, the Bruins scored a goal in each of the first two periods, and their defence played solidly, allowing just one goal. Charlie McAvoy notched a goal and an assist, while goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman stopped 28 out of 29 shots, displaying a confident performance. Throughout the season, the Bruins' defence has not always played consistently, and in two of their three losses, the team conceded six goals. To succeed in the upcoming match, Boston will need to improve their defensive play. In the regular season, the Bruins' attack ranked 12th in the league, while their defence ranked 6th. Jake DeBrusk and Brad Marchand play key roles in the team's offence: DeBrusk scored 5 goals and provided 5 assists, while Marchand added 3 goals and 7 assists.  Coach Jim Montgomery expressed confidence in the team, particularly highlighting the importance of Brad Marchand's return from an upper-body injury. Marchand, the captain and leader of the team, is preparing to get back on the ice after missing several games, which could significantly impact the game's outcome. Montgomery emphasised that Marchand is the "heart and soul" of the Bruins, and his presence on the ice adds confidence to the entire team.

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers are aiming to advance to the next round following their setback in the last game against the Boston Bruins. In the previous match, the team's offence managed to score just one goal, leading to the defeat. Sam Reinhart scored the team's only goal and made 8 shots on goal. Russian goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 26 out of 28 shots, showing a reliable game. Despite an average save percentage during the season, Bobrovsky makes crucial saves in the most important moments, which is especially noted by coach Paul Maurice. In one of the previous victories against the Bruins, Bobrovsky stopped 16 out of 18 shots, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable backbone in defence. The coach and the team trust him, knowing that he can provide the necessary stability and confidence as the last line of defence. In two of the previous matches against the Bruins, the Panthers secured victories with scores of 3:2 and 6:2. In one of these games, Anton Lundell scored a goal and provided an assist, while Bobrovsky stopped 16 out of 18 shots. In the regular season, the Panthers' offence ranked 11th in the league, while their defence ranked 2nd. Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are key players for the team: Barkov scored 5 goals and provided 8 assists, while Tkachuk added 4 goals and 9 assists.  Coach Paul Maurice expressed confidence in his team despite some difficulties in recent games. He noted that Bobrovsky does not focus on statistics but concentrates on key moments of the game, which boosts the team's confidence. Under Maurice's leadership, the Panthers demonstrate balanced play both at home and on the road, giving them a chance for success in any game. The key task for Florida in the upcoming match will be to restore their offensive power and maintain solid defensive play.

Prediction for the Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers match

Florida should close out the series. Boston managed to take one game back thanks to their defence, but without their injured veteran leader and enforcer Marchand, it will be tough for the Bruins. I'm placing my bet on a victory for Florida.