Bruins Win Game 1 vs. Panthers as NHL Fans Credit Momentum from Maple Leafs Series

Andrew PetersMay 7, 2024

SUNRISE, FL - MAY 06: Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) tries to collect the rebound after a save in the second period during game one of the Eastern Conference round 2 playoffs between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers on Monday, May 6, 2024 at Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Boston Bruins have a 1-0 lead over the Florida Panthers after winning Game 1 of the second-round series 5-1.

Goalie Jeremy Swayman paved the way for Boston on defense, keeping the net clear for most of the game outside of a second-period goal. On offense, the Bruins got help from Morgan Geekie, Mason Lohrei, Brandon Carlo, Justin Brazeau and Jake DeBrusk, each of whom had goals in the win.

The win comes after Boston's overtime thriller against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the first round. After the Bruins handled Game 1, fans credited the team for carrying their momentum from the win over the weekend.

Notoes @NotoesGaming
Bruins riding the momentum from game 7 they need to keep this up the whole series

Jim Biringer @JimBiringer
Bumping this. Talked about Bruins using momentum of Game 7 to come out playing the right way against Florida Having a day off and staying in playing rhythm is better than having a week off. Practice can only do so much. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nhlbruins?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nhlbruins</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FullPressNHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FullPressNHL</a> <a href="https://t.co/lmopWInVvF">https://t.co/lmopWInVvF</a>

Drew Livingstone @ProducerDrew_
Bruins proving the Rest vs Momentum playoffs theory is real. Florida has been sitting for almost a week. Bruins played 48 hours ago. 3-1 Boston

Jaden @JayLoJL
The Bruins have all the momentum in the world right now after that Game 7 win

🏒💧x~FireStrike💧🏒 @McFeenixx
Bruins still on their post Game 7 high. 4-1 on top of the Cats.

Steve Cooper @scooperon7
Bruins letting it rip in Florida tonight…a week off to rest for the Panthers is never a good thing…momentum matters <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/7News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#7News</a>

Coach Knight (BRUINS 1-1) @CoachKnight99
Crazy how many people underestimated the Bruins. Did you guys forget this is the playoffs? It's all about momentum. Boston has nothing to lose this year just like Florida had nothing to lose last year.

Stix @Stix617
Like I said the other day Bruins Momentum from a game 7 win and revenge for last year against the Panthers are huge factors in this series and now it's showing Not to mention Having a week off is never beneficial for any team in any sport come playoff time

Drew Livingstone @ProducerDrew_
Bruins proving the Rest vs Momentum playoffs theory is real. Florida has been sitting for almost a week. Bruins played 48 hours ago. 3-1 Boston

Tougie24 @Tougie24
A win was always a possibility. 5-1??? Unbelievable Game 1 for the Bruins.

Michael MacEachern @MikeMacEac19
Swayman is the man! Big game 1 win for the Bruins!

Adam Bradford @Adam_Bradford14
What a gutsy performance by the Bruins tonight. On less than 48 hours of rest against a Florida team with almost a week off, they go into Sunrise and run the Panthers out of their own building. It's only Game 1, but an incredible start to the series.

The Bruins now have even more momentum on their side with a big Game 1. Boston is seeking revenge after losing to the Panthers in the second round a year ago, and that emotion could have been a factor in the dominant win.

Florida is looking to reach the Stanley Cup Finals for a second consecutive season, but it will need to come back strong in Game 2 to avoid a 2-0 deficit.

The second game of the series takes place Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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