The Bruins Are Dead

Steve Babineau. Getty Images.

That's all she wrote folks. Despite coming out with a 1-0 lead, the Panthers scored two unanswered to eliminate the Bruins in 6 games. Can't say the Bruins didn't have their opportunities, they had several chances to extend their lead but couldn't… 

FINAL: Florida 2, Boston 1

Coming into the year, this team had little to none playoff expectations and certainly had no business being a 109 point regular season team with the players on the roster. They overachieved in what felt like a bridge year, had to go bargain shopping since they were in cap hell.. and still somehow someway found themselves being a top 10 team in the league after 82 games. They ousted Toronto and couldn't crawl back into the series against Florida, who were clearly superior. There's a lot to be disappointed about but at the end of the day, they found their true No. 1 goaltender (RFA by the way), and they know what positions to address this summer. They NEED more scoring, which was entirely evident this round of the playoffs. They have some money to spend, and I'd be shocked if they didn't find a way to deal Ullmark.

After two straight years of first round exits, this team found a way to win the first round and take Florida to 6. A lot to celebrate but they don't hang banners for that. Time for Sweeney to put the pieces together to make this team a true contender. Pay Swayman, get a true 1C and a scoring winger. Easier said than done, though. It's not the heartbreak of last year, but still a shitty feeling nonetheless. Thought Marchand returning would've given them more jump, but at the end of the day this team was what we thought they were. Not winning a single game on home ice didn't help! Still, they didn't roll over and die and they exceeded my expectations exponentially. 

Live with the B's and die by the B's, but as much as this one sucks, their are brighter days ahead.