The Boston Bruins (18-11-4) start a five game road trip Monday against the Florida Panthers (16-17-0), a team which has not given them much trouble so far this season. The Bruins have allowed just one goal in their two wins against the Panthers while scoring seven themselves.
Last time the two teams met in Florida back on November 24, the Bruins scored three goals in the third period to come back from an early 0-1 deficit. They were led by Mark Recchi who netted two, including his 1,500th career point.
The Bruins have to be happy to see this matchup coming right now, as the team is sorely in need of momentum. Recently enduring a three-game losing streak, Boston hasn't won consecutive games since picking up a pair of victories against the Sabres and Islanders on December 7 and 9. Now having knocked off a pair of playoff teams in their last three contests, a win tonight could signal a much-needed turnaround.
The Panthers, however, are not likely to just roll over. At 6-3 over their last nine games, Florida has started to fight back against some tough competition, even knocking off the Philadelphia Flyers in convincing fashion 5-0 last week. As much as Boston might like the matchup and it's history, now might not be the best time to be heading into the BankAtlantic Center.