The Boston Bruins' Tough Road to the Stanley Cup

If you're a Boston Bruins fan, there is no better feeling in the world than warm-weather hockey season.

It's hard to believe that it has already been a year since the epic Boston-Montreal playoff series that built the very foundation of character today's Boston Bruins exhibit. Those seven games were bittersweet, and on the eve of game seven I was satisfied with the Bruins' performance, and ready to accept the evening's outcome.

But this year is different.

Since November, Boston has known they were a playoff-caliber team. The seed of optimism was planted. And expectation grew. A first round exit would not be acceptable this year, not with the way this team has played.

But lately, the Bruins have been stumbling. A rare bout of overconfidence? Perhaps. Let's face it, coach Claude Julien's club hasn't had much to play for recently.

That is of course, until the once seemingly insurmountable lead in the Eastern Conference slowly shrunk in size until it's current state...of 4 points.

Yes, the Bruins will win the Northeast Division. And yes, the B's are still in the hunt for the President's Trophy (awarded to the team with the best regular season record). But in the past month, Boston has lacked the spark that was so prominent for most of the season.

All slumps aside, the Bruins are still on pace for their best record since 2004, and perhaps they're best since the days of Bobby Orr.

And as Boston playoff hockey nears, let's break down the Bruins' chase for Lord Stanley's Cup from start to finish.

So who will the Bruins be facing in round one? That has yet to be decided as only eight points separate the 4th place team in the Eastern Conference to the 10th.

But likely candidates include Carolina, New York, Florida, Pittsburgh and Montreal.

ROUND ONE

Best Case Scenarios

Boston hasn't won a playoff series since 1999, so it would be a wonderful gift from the hockey gods if the B's could make short work of their first round opponent.

Carolina

B's swept the season series and something tells me Carolina's luck wouldn't change in the post season.

Result: Bruins sweep.

Florida

Bruins were dominant over the Panthers in the regular season, only dropping one of four meetings, with a combined score of 14-5.

Result: Bruins in 5.

Manageable Situations

It won't be easy, but the Killer B's would come through.

New York

The Bruins haven't played great hockey against the Rangers this season. Losing the season series 2-1 with one game left between the two foes. But every game between these clubs has been decided by one goal.

With Thomas in net, and some added intensity I think the Bruins will come through.

Result: Bruins in 6.

Worst Case Scenarios

Uh-oh...

Monteal

Yes, this is a different team than last year's Habs. And yes, the Bruins have dominated the bleu, blanc, et rouge in the regular season, but history has a way of repeating itself.

That being said, last year's playoff series reestablished this historic rivalry, and Boston still carries a chip on their shoulder.

Result: Boston in 6.

Pittsburgh

Now, I am in no way suggesting the NHL is fixed...but Gary Bettman sure loves Crosby. And the referees haven't been the Bruins' greatest allies this season. Oh yeah, and Pittsburgh are the defending Eastern Conference champs.

Having split the season series, this matchup would be intense. Pittsburgh's goaltending would eventually crumble...

Result: Boston in 7.

ROUND TWO

Hey, the Bruins have made it to the semi-finals! So who's next on the list?

If the playoffs started tomorrow, I see Philadelphia or Pittsburgh as the only realistic opponents for the B's in round two.

Anyway you look at it, the Bruins will have to play top notch hockey to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Philadelphia

The Flyers have been a formidable foe of the Bruins since last year's Jones-Bergeron debacle. As tough of a matchup as this would be, I can't imagine a Bruins fan who wouldn't want to see a bit of revenge.

Result: Boston in 6.

Pittsburgh

If the Pens make it into round two, they'll be a tougher team to play against. This is a matchup that's scary for the Bruins. Crosby, Malkin, and Fleury looking to get back into the Eastern Conference Finals? Eek.

Result: Pittsburgh in 7.

But let's assume that doesn't happen shall we?

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