Best of Bruins on WEEI: Will they get out of the first round?
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The WEEI Afternoons podcast examines the Boston Bruins' playoff prospects against the Buffalo Sabres in a high-stakes first-round matchup. Hosts and guests Judd Surratt, Billy Jaffe, and Andrew Raycroft analyze the Bruins' journey to the playoffs, emphasizing their underdog status despite high expectations internally. They debate whether the Bruins are 'ahead of schedule' or underperforming given their star-studded roster, including Charlie McAvoy, David Pastrnak, and Jeremy Swayman. The discussion centers on key factors: the Bruins' physical, structured style versus the Sabres' speed and offensive firepower, the critical importance of neutral-zone play, and the advantage of playoff experience—especially in net. James Higgins' potential role as a rookie on the third line is highlighted as a wildcard. Predictions lean toward the Bruins winning in six or seven games, with special teams and resilience cited as decisive elements. The episode also touches on broader Eastern Conference dynamics, including Tampa Bay’s injury concerns and Ottawa’s potential upset of Carolina.
The Bruins are expected to win the series in 6-7 games due to superior structure, experience, and goaltending.
Neutral-zone control and limiting the Sabres' speed will be critical for Boston’s success.
James Higgins’ strong preseason performance makes him a credible contributor on the third line.
Playoff experience—especially in net—gives the Bruins a meaningful edge over the Sabres.
The Bruins’ depth and ability to spread production across lines make them dangerous in a long series.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Bruins' Playoff Journey and Expectations
“I think the reasonable expectation is that they could be in the mix for the playoffs. And here they are. They're exactly where they should be at this point.”
James Higgins: The Rookie Factor
The focus shifts to rookie James Higgins, who made a strong case for a playoff role with two solid games in the regular season. Guests highlight his discipline, work ethic, and ability to handle the puck under pressure, suggesting he could be a key contributor on the third line.
Style of Play: Bruins vs. Sabres
“If the Bruins manage and get into their four-check game and manage neutral zone, I like their chances.”
Playoff Experience and Mental Toughness
“I do think experience does play a factor, especially in goal... Over the course of a playoff series I do think experience comes into play.”
Special Teams and Depth
The discussion turns to special teams, with the Bruins’ power play and penalty kill under scrutiny. The Sabres’ poor power play (0-for-22) is noted, but the Bruins must avoid taking bad penalties. The depth of the Bruins’ bottom six is highlighted as a strength.
“The Bruins have the better goaltender in the series. I think they have the best player in the series. And I think that their decor is harder to play again. There you go. That simple.”
“The Bruins have the better goaltender in the series. I think they have the best player in the series. And I think that their decor is harder to play again. There you go. That simple.”
“The Bruins have the better goaltender in the series. I think they have the best player in the series. And I think that their decor is harder to play again. There you go. That simple.”
Hosts
Guests
Boston Bruins
other
Buffalo Sabres
other
WEEI Afternoons
media
Charlie McAvoy
person
David Pastrnak
person
Judd Surratt
person
Jeremy Swayman
person
Billy Jaffe
person
James Higgins
person
Andrew Raycroft
person
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