Preview: Bruins vs Hurricanes 2009

Records

Boston (1): 53-19-10 (116 pts) Home: 29-6-6 Away: 24-13-4
Carolina (6): 45-30-7 (97 pts) Home: 26-14-1 Away: 19-16-6

How They Got Here

Boston swept the Canadiens and Carolina shocked New Jersey in the final minute of game 7.

Head-to-Head

Dec 20, 2008 – BOS 4 CAR 2
Dec 27, 2008 – BOS 4 CAR 2
Jan 10, 2009 – BOS 5 CAR 1
Feb 17, 2009 – BOS 5 CAR 1
Boston won the season series 4-0.

Fights

Jan 10, 2009 – Matt Hunwick v Justin Williams

Lineup

Goaltending: EDGE Boston
Scoring: EDGE Boston
Defense: EDGE Boston
Coaching: DRAW
Grit: EDGE Boston

Schedule

Friday, May 1 at Boston, 7:30 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
Sunday, May 3 at Boston, 7:30 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
Wednesday, May 6 at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
Friday, May 8 at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
*Sunday, May 10 at Boston, 7:30 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
*Tuesday, May 12 at Carolina, 7:00 p.m. VERSUS, TSN
*Thursday, May 14 at Boston, TBD TSN

Prediction

Here’s two teams with very different paths to round two. Boston rolled through the regular season and disposed of their rival Montreal in just four games. Carolina needed a coaching change before solidifying a playoff spot, and then down three games to two against New Jersey, they forced a game seven and achieved the rare road game win. Is Carolina physically and emotionally drained or are they peaking at the right time? Is Boston well rested or will they be rusty come game one? The Bruins will win this in a short series, but Carolina will keep each game close. B’s in 5.

John’s Pick

I can’t see anything but a series win for Boston in this one. The Bruins are coming off of a relatively easy time with Montreal while Carolina escaped from their series with New Jersey courtesy of some lucky goals. Cam Ward has been decent, but Tim Thomas should be that much better for Boston. Unless the ‘Canes snap out of their special teams funk and start scoring some power-play goals, this one could be over before it started. Bruins in a surprisingly quick 5.

David’s Pick

The Canes played with a lot of heart in the seven-gamer versus the Devils, but heart and even luck aren’t going to do it against the Bruins. Carolina can match-up with the Bruins in top offensive talent, but the Bruins have a depth that the Canes lack. Tim Thomas is putting together a stellar year, and part of that is due to the D in front of him. Cam Ward is no slouch, and a Cup winner, but he doesn’t have the supporting cast this time around. Bruins in 5.