Matthew Tkachuk didn’t mince words when asked about any dip in intensity from the Panthers after bouncing the Lightning in five games during the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“We’re gonna be playing probably our next biggest rival, so there will be no emotional letdown,” Tkachuk said in reference to the Bruins.
The Panthers and Bruins have plenty of history, with Florida shredding Boston’s storybook season last spring via a stunning first-round upset. The Bruins will have a chip on their shoulder in this rematch with Florida, coupled with the momentum generated from Saturday’s season-saving triumph over Toronto.