The Boston Bruins are returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2013 after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-0 to complete the Eastern Conference Finals sweep Thursday night at PNC Arena.
Following a scoreless first period, the second period was bookended by Bruins power-play goals. David Pastrnak first gave Boston a 1-0 lead at the 15:14 mark then assisted Patrice Bergeron's sixth power play goal of these Stanley Cup Playoffs with 1:26 left before the second intermission.
The power play has been the defining thread throughout this series, as the Hurricanes' inability to execute all postseason not only followed them into the Eastern Conference Finals but was further exploited by Boston's overwhelming efficiency.