In an unexpected turn of events, the Boston Bruins, who smashed NHL records this season with 65 victories and 135 points, were knocked out of the playoffs after a heart-wrenching 3-1 series loss to the Florida Panthers. The Panthers managed an incredible comeback, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat by clinching the final three matches in the series.
The Bruins' fans erupted with joy as their team drew level with just a minute remaining in the third period, but Brandon Montour's equalizer sent the game into overtime, silencing the TD Garden crowd. Despite both teams creating ample opportunities, it was Panthers' center, Carter Verhaege, who sent the Bostonians packing from the playoffs.
The bruising Panthers are now set to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the next round. The last time a team claimed both the Presidents' Trophy and the Stanley Cup was the Chicago Blackhawks back in 2012-13. The unfortunate Bruins managed to win the Presidents' Trophy in the last 10 years, but their playoff exits remain a bitter pill to swallow (2013-14, 2019-2020).
Back in 1972-73, the Montreal Canadiens finished the season with an outstanding 78-14-6 record but failed to clinch the Stanley Cup, losing to the New York Islanders in the first round. Similarly, the Chicago Blackhawks, with a 36-7-5 record, lost the final to the Boston Bruins in 2012-13.
In 2013-14, the Los Angeles Kings recorded 46 wins but fell short against the New York Rangers in the Stanley Cup final. And in an unconventional 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tampa Bay Lightning managed 36 victories, although not the top seed in their division, and eventually lifted the Stanley Cup.
Despite breaking numerous records during the regular season, a Stanley Cup championship remains an elusive prize for the defeated Boston Bruins.
