Bruins' Downfall Proves To Be Cockiness

If Game Two showed Bruins fans anything, it's that this series against Carolina is for real. The Bruins showed up for Game Two physically, but mentally, the Bruins were not prepared for the storm. Numerous times, the Bruins made no look or very weak passes, and almost expected them to get to the intended target. This type of mistake allowed the Hurricanes to jump out to a 2-0 lead, when defenseman Zdeno Chara flubbed a pass to start a breakout and that pass ended up on Matt Cullen's stick, who found the back of Tim Thomas' net. Also, the Bruins' power play was atrocious. The Bruins could not sustain any power play pressure on Cam Ward, until five minutes to go in the game, when Ward made two key saves.

If the Bruins were having trouble staying modest, this game gives them a great excuse to go out and embarrass an opponent, but, in the rowdy RBC Center, the Bruins will face a very tough and loud crowd. The Bruins should come out firing, but if Ward makes two or three key saves early, the Bruins will become frustrated, which will allow the Hurricanes to pounce and put the Bruins in a 2-1 hole in the series.

The Bruins need to look like the team that finished the year instead of the one in February, if they are going to come out of games three and four with at least one win. Unfortunately, I can't see this happening. The Hurricanes return to Boston for Game Five up 3-1 in the series. The Bruins will score in Carolina, but the Hurricanes have figured out the Bruins' game. If the Bruins can't put in new wrinkles, they will go quietly into the sunset.

Predictions: 

Game Three: Carolina 3-1

Game Four: Carolina 2-0

Game Five: Boston 3-2

Game Six: Carolina 4-0