Four reasons why the Boston Bruins have flipped the script against the Carolina Hurricanes
The Boston Bruins have their swagger back. They’ve erased a two-game hole against the Metropolitan Division champion Carolina Hurricanes in their first-round series.
Here are four reasons why:
1. Perfectly Timed Reunion
One of the best named lines in hockey, the Perfection Line – Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak – was reunited by coach Bruce Cassidy prior to Game 3 at TD Garden. They’ve combined for 16 points over the last two games. Their ability to create off the rush, use their chemistry to create something out of broken plays with no-look passes, and attack off offensive zone faceoff wins has been key.
At home, when they have the last change, Cassidy has worked to find them favorable matchups. You definitely don’t want to ice the puck against the Bruins because that means the Perfection Line is coming over the boards against tired Carolina players.
2. Swayman is Bruins’ Man
Cassidy turned to Jeremy Swayman in goal for Game 3 and his .925 save percentage in the two games since has steadied the spoked-B. One thing that stands out about Swayman: He has beaten a lot of passes on his feet, which allows him to play big and force shooters to miss as they have few openings to see past him.
Linus Ullmark had the slightly better numbers in the regular season. It wasn’t Ullmark’s fault they lost both games in Carolina to start the series, but it doesn’t look like Swayman will be relinquishing the post.
3. Unstoppable Power Play
Yes, the Bruins’ penalty kill has been perfect through two games at TD Garden, but it’s the power play that stands out. The Hurricanes have actually dominated a good chunk of the series at even-strength.
Boston went 4-for-14 on home ice on the power play. Perspective: That’s more goals than the Calgary Flames have scored all series; the Florida Panthers still don’t have a single power-play goal this postseason.
The timing of those goals has been impactful, particularly in Game 4 after Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour lost a goalie interference challenge. With Charlie McAvoy (COVID-19 protocol) unavailable, the Bruins employed five forwards on their power play in Game 4 – and it paid off. There was a ton of skill out there with the Perfection Line, plus Charlie Coyle and Jake DeBrusk, with their ability to interchange spots on the ice. Bergeron’s ability to win faceoffs to set up the play, and his role as one of the best ‘bumper’ guys in the league set the tone for the power play.
4. Next Man Up
This defense corps has stepped up after the losses of Hampus Lindholm and McAvoy. Connor Clifton, for example, has seen his minutes climb. He has underrated skating mobility, can move the puck well and plays physical.
Those minutes are being spread around, and the additions of Josh Brown and Mike Reilly to the lineup show what depth can do for a team during the playoffs. Reilly can skate; Brown has a long reach and can put you into the second row of the stands with his physical play.
It’s not ideal to play without Lindholm and McAvoy, but the Bruins are making do.
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Former QMJHL head coach Jon Goyens has 28 years of coaching experience, from the lowest levels of minor hockey all the way to serving as a special consultant for an NHL team during the Stanley Cup playoffs. He is the winningest coach in the history of the Quebec Midget ‘AAA’ league with the Lac St. Louis Lions and has helped develop 25-plus players to be selected in the NHL Draft. He has also worked as an individual skills and development coach with future Hockey Hall of Famer Hilary Knight, as well as NHL players such as Jonathan Drouin and Mike Matheson.
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