Boston Could Have a Tough Matchup If the Playoffs Started Today
Securing first place, the Boston Bruins are set to face the second Wild Card team in round one, which should be an easy matchup; however, it might not turn out that way.
If the Postseason Began Today
As per the current standings, the Bruins would take on the New York Islanders in the first round if the playoffs started today, but this matchup might be tougher than anticipated.
As @chrisjdavis11 posted on Twitter, the Islanders have a goaltender in Sorokin who could potentially steal it, and a style of play that exhausts teams.
According to JFresh Hockey, Sorokin is the only goalie who might have, or come close to, outperforming Linus Ullmark (in part because he's had to save a weaker team).
Although the Bruins managed a 3-0-0 record against the Islanders this season, outscoring them 14-6, they only faced backup goalie Semyon Varlamov.
Did the Islanders intentionally avoid using Sorokin against the Bruins to in case of a potential playoff meeting?
Ultimately, Boston must defeat any opponent to win the Stanley Cup, so there shouldn't be any excuses for facing particular team. Regardless, they will be the strong favorite in any series.
All teams vying for the Eastern Wild Card spots have four games remaining, and with a mere point separating three of them, there are still numerous possibilities.
As read on Bruins Insider - Bruins' Current First Round Matchup May Be The Toughest Possible.
| POLL | ||
5 AVRIL | 147 ANSWERS Boston Could Have a Tough Matchup If the Playoffs Started Today Who would you rather have the Bruins face in round one? | ||
| Islanders | 30 | 20.4 % |
| Panthers | 31 | 21.1 % |
| Penguins | 86 | 58.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
