SUNRISE, Fla. — The Boston Bruins had the Florida Panthers on the ropes.
They entered Game 5 under the most ideal scenario possible, with a 3-1 series lead and a returning Patrice Bergeron.
Yet, the Bruins couldn’t escape their own shadow — figuratively and literally.
A fatigued Linus Ullmark played his worst hockey of the season over the last two games. Even so, he hardly received any help from his defensive core.
Boston’s D failed to cover the middle of the ice on multiple occasions. They subjected themselves to costly, ill-advised turnovers.