Jim Mongomery didn’t mince words Monday morning when asked if he viewed the Panthers as the Bruins’ top rival during the 2024-25 season.
“No question,” he declared, roughly 90 minutes ahead of puck drop between Boston and Florida at TD Garden.
The Panthers may not boast the extended hostilities established between the Bruins and other Original Six foes like the Maple Leafs and Canadiens. But Florida has embraced the role as Boston’s on-ice antagonist in record time thanks to several recent heated playoff bouts.
The pain doled out by the Panthers as they eliminated the Bruins in back-to-back playoff runs in 2023 and 2024 still resonates with a Boston team seemingly unable to get over the hump against the top team in the Eastern Conference.