The Boston Bruins still have a bitter taste in their mouths following last year’s first-round playoff matchup. The Florida Panthers developed more bad blood toward the Bruins after Charlie McAvoy delivered an elbow to the head Oliver-Ekman Larsson during their first regular season matchup of 2023-24.
McAvoy served his four-game suspension for his hit on Ekman-Larsson. On Wednesday, the Panthers wanted to deliver a receipt of their own to Boston’s top defenseman.
Florida took multiple runs at McAvoy during the first 20 minutes. Ryan Lomberg and Nick Cousins both delivered borderline hits.
The Bruins took exception, making for a chippy Atlantic Division showdown.