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Boston Bruins back in Stanley Cup Playoffs after Two-Year Absence

By Riley Culler

May 1, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) hugs defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) after he scored a goal to tie the game during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens in game one of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) hugs defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) after he scored a goal to tie the game during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens in game one of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Bruins are back in the hunt for the Stanley Cup once again after a two-year postseason drought.

From 2010-2014 (4 Seasons), the Boston Bruins played in a staggering 66 playoff games. Going 40-26 in those games, winning 8 playoff series, and hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2011. Since then, the Bruins have missed the playoffs the last 2 years.

Boston will face off with the Ottawa Senators in their first playoff series since 2014. Although Bruin fans should be happy, Boston was 0-3-1 against Ottawa this season. Coincidently, it was a Canadian team (Montreal Canadiens) that knocked Boston out of the playoffs in 2014 (Boston’s last playoff appearance).

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The Bruins are winless against their first round opponent this season. To make fans even more nervous, Boston also finished the year with an unflattering record of 7-12-1 against all Canadian teams. In reality, all these stats mean nothing, most teams and players consider the postseason a new season.

Does Boston have a legitimate shot at hoisting the Stanley Cup?

Yes, although this team lost their last 2 games (Marchand suspended for both), they had previously won 6 in a row. Now that Brad Marchand’s suspension is over, the Bruins can hopefully pick up where they left off. Boston can make a deep run if Marchand can lead this team, rather than hurt them with penalties and suspensions.

Related Story: Boston Bruins Will Face Ottawa Senators in First Round of Stanley Cup Playoffs

Ottawa does have home-ice advantage, so Boston’s first game will be in Ottawa Wednesday night. They will play the 2nd game in Ottawa Saturday afternoon, before heading back to Boston for two games. Something else to be mentioned is that Ottawa is the only NHL team in the playoffs with a negative-differential (Ottawa -2: Boston +22).

As stated before, those stats are fun to look at but almost meaningless when the playoffs roll around. The Senators have been able to shut down the Bruins offense in all four matchups this season.

Next: Boston Bruins: Charlie McAvoy Inks 3-Year Entry Level Contract

On the road to hoisting the Stanley Cup, the Bruins toughest test may come early on against a familiar foe.

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