The Florida Panthers lost to the Boston Bruins 3-1 on Monday Night in game one of round one of the 2023 NHL Playoffs. The Bruins escape with the opening 1-0 series lead. Meanwhile, the Panthers continue their pursuit of shocking the President’s Trophy winners.
Game Recap
Florida started off on the wrong foot, finding themselves on back-to-back penalty kills. The first penalty kill was successful, fending off an Aaron Ekblad tripping penalty. However, Givani Smith’s interference penalty would not find the same penalty kill success. Off a rebound, Boston deadline acquisition Bertuzzi made a beautiful backhand pass to Pastrnak for the first goal. Down 1-0, the Panthers received their first power play chance late in the period thanks to Charlie McAvoy. Florida would only get one shot on goal during the power play, letting a great chance go to waste. Despite dominating the majority of the period, they failed to show up on special teams leaving them down 1-0.
The Bruins continued their goal-scoring success early in the middle frame. On the zone entry, Brad Marchand shot from the top of the circle, somehow beating Alex Lyon. It was an unfortunate goal that Lyon would love to have back. Three minutes later, Matthew Tkachuk would get some progress going for Florida. On a lucky bounce Tkachuk got the puck all alone in front of Ullmark for their first goal. Despite a strong period for the Cats, Boston finished the period taking a 3-1 lead. The third goal came courtesy of Jake DeBrusk, poking the puck in from beneath Lyon’s leg pad.
The third period saw the tide turn in the B’s favor. They led in shots and killed off a Nick Foligno penalty. Boston would even score a supposed fourth goal late. Video review, however, proved otherwise leaving the score at 3-1. The Panthers would give one last, late push with the net empty. Despite this, they ended up short in a 3-1 loss to begin the series.
FL Teams Star of the Game
Tkachuk had a solid game through 22:25 of play. He scored Florida’s lone goal while keeping the +1 differential and recording three hits.
Up Next
TD Garden will see game two on Wednesday night with puck drop set for 7:30 PM EST.