Florida Panthers set to host Boston Bruins – NHL Preview
After receiving a humiliating defeat against Tampa Bay Lightning, the defending Stanley Cup champions, Boston Bruins, are now heading to play against Florida Panthers on March 15, 2012, at BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida.
Bruins have been struggling from the last two or three months and if they keep on performing that way, they might not be able to retain the title.
As for Florida Panthers, their supremacy in the Southeast Division has provided them some breathing space, but they will have to be consistent as well if they want to accelerate in the playoffs.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Bruins
They are presently on a three-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Washington Capitals (4-3), Pittsburgh Penguins (5-2) and Lightning (6-1).
In the game against Lightning, Bruins got their first scoring move in the final period when the former already had a five-goal lead.
After scoring the goal, Bruins conceded another and eventually lost the game.
Bruins’ coach, Claude Julien, said after the game:
"What's really throwing us off right now is we give those teams leads, and all of a sudden guys are getting frustrated, and we just kind of get away from our game plan. Instead of playing the way we should, we're starting to cheat and we're trying to get those goals back. In frustration, we're making poor decisions and so on and so forth. It just snowballs."
After playing 69 games, Bruins are ranked at second spot in the Eastern Conference with 83 points.
Panthers
Panthers have won three out seven games played this month and are currently on a two-game winning streak with the victories coming against Carolina Hurricanes (2-0) and Toronto Maple Leafs (5-2).
Panthers convincingly defeated Leafs and the latter is yet to win a game against the former in this season.
Panthers’ coach, Kevin Dineen, said of the scenario:
"I can't explain against the Leafs what the difference is. Sometimes during the course of a season you find a way to get a team's number. Very fortunate for us this has been one of those teams."
Panthers are ranked at third spot in the Eastern Conference with 79 points after 69 games.
Predictions
Panthers have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Bruins win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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