Underestimated Bears
2018-05-29McLellan's troup did it. Despite being predicted as the loser of the series by most, they disposed of 2017 Stanley Cup Champions in 6 games in the first round. They disposed of them despite losing the four games they faced Ottawa in the regular season. It Might be too soon to tell it, but it seems like all the GM's trade this year are finally paying off.
"I don't wanna say my trades were genious before making it to the finals, said Bruins's GM Pierrick Cote. I'd only look like an arrogant little brat, and Karma being a bitch, i might lose in four the next round."
Still, the Bruins currently are ranked 4th in the power ranking, due to their 18 goals scored and 12 goals against, good for the 3rd best differential behind Colorado and Vegas. Jeff Petry's been an healthy scratch since returning from an injury. Could that be what wasn't working for the Bears?
"I don't want to point any fingers, said McLellan while answering the question. I just think our formation's been playing good as a whole."
Boston will meet Florida in the second round, who've been good at home since the start of the series, so the ice advantage might play a role, which wasn't the case with Ottawa since they've been one of the worse in the qualified teams at home.
"Have you ever been to the Canadian Tire Center? asked Pierrick Cote. I mean, i'd prolly don't want to perform either if it was my arena. Now we gotta focus on what's next. We will take it one game at the time. First of all, we will try ensure Granlund doesn't score 5 goals the first game we play against them. The key will be to watch Stone, Suter and Nielsen, who've been incridible passers all season's long."
With 10 players out of 18 having at least 0,5 ppg in the first round, the Bruins can count on their dept to give Florida some headache.