For Bruins, Home Is Where the Hockey Is

There is a reason the regular season is important. That reason is a game seven.

The Bruins have worked hard to gain home ice throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. They are lucky to have home ice now throughout the entirety of the playoffs. The Bruins are 4-1 at home this playoffs and 29-6-6 at home during the regular season.

Meanwhile the Hurricanes are 3-4 on the road in the playoffs and 19-16-6 in the regular season.

The Bruins have a decided advantage with the loud and rambunctious home crowd the TD Banknorth Garden offers. The Hurricanes have struggled the past few games with the Bruins but they do have a chance to win.

The keys of the Game boil down to three simple things:

1) Eric Staal vs. Zdeno Chara

With the Bruins having last change, do not expect lots of shifts for Staal that do not include #33 in black opposing him. This additional perk of home ice can really keep Staal off the score sheet and prevent the Hurricanes from winning. The Hurricanes are 7-0 when Staal scores but are 0-6 when he doesn't score.

2) Discipline

Meanwhile the Bruins are 7-0 when they do not allow a power play goal and are 0-3 when they do. The Bruins seem to be a much more disciplined team now than they were in Games 2-4. Don't expect many power plays for the Hurricanes which could open the door for the Bruins to win Game 7.

3) Physical Play

The Bruins will try to be physical but if the Hurricanes start to counteract that with tons of transition speed and odd man breaks, than the Bruins will be in trouble. Tim Thomas is a much better goalie without people in his face. If the Hurricanes get people in Thomas' face it will be a long night for the Black and Gold.

Prediction: Boston 4 Carolina 2