How Panthers Advancing In Stanley Cup Playoffs Benefits Bruins

Boston Bruins fans only have to root for the Florida Panthers for one more round in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Bruins traded Brad Marchand to the Panthers before the NHL trade deadline for a conditional 2027 second-round pick. For that selection to become a first-round pick, Florida needs to advance two rounds in the playoffs, and the former Boston captain must play at least 50% of postseason games.

The Panthers accomplished one part of those trade conditions Wednesday when they closed out their best-of-seven series against the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games. Marchand played all five games, recording four assists.

It’s a simple scenario for the Eastern Conference semifinals. Marchand must play in at least one game in the second round if that series reaches six or seven games. Trade conditions still would be met if the Panthers closed out the series in four or five games.

Florida awaits the winner of the Ottawa Senators-Toronto Maple Leafs series. The Sens went down 3-1, but former Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark helped the Sens extend the series. The Atlantic Division sides will play Game 6 on Thursday at Canadian Tire Centre.