The Bruins First Round Matchup May Be More of a Challenge Than it Seems
Securing first place, the Boston Bruins are set to face the second Wild Card team in the playoffs. While this should technically be their easiest matchup, it may not be as straightforward as it seems.
Playoff Picture: As It Stands Now
If the playoffs were to begin today, the Bruins would be up against the New York Islanders in the first round. Contrary to popular belief, this might not be the cakewalk everyone's expecting.
As pointed out by @chrisjdavis11 on Twitter, the Islanders boast a talented goalie in Sorokin, capable of turning a series in their favor. They also employ a defensive playing style that can frustrate their opponents.
According to JFresh Hockey, Sorokin may be the only goalie outperforming Linus Ullmark this season, given his ability to rescue his team more frequently.
Although the Bruins posted a 3-0-0 record against the Islanders this season, outscoring them 14-6, they only faced backup goalie Semyon Varlamov in those games.
Did the Islanders deliberately keep Sorokin away from the Bruins, anticipating a potential playoff encounter?
Ultimately, the Bruins must defeat every other team to hoist the Stanley Cup. Therefore, they shouldn't make any excuses about facing specific opponents. Regardless of the matchup, Boston will be the heavy favorite in any series.
With four games left for each team vying for the Eastern Wild Card spot and only a one-point gap between three of them, there's still a lot of uncertainty on the horizon.
As Read on Bruins Insider - Bruins' Current First Round Matchup May Be The Toughest Possible
| POLL | ||
5 AVRIL | 291 ANSWERS The Bruins First Round Matchup May Be More of a Challenge Than it Seems Do you think the Islanders could beat the Bruins in round 1? | ||
| Yes | 128 | 44 % |
| No | 163 | 56 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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