BREAKING: Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers could start playoffs without their BEST players

Tonight at 7 pm, the 2023 National Hockey League playoffs kick off with a face-off between the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes. Following that, at 7:30 pm, the Boston Bruins will host the Florida Panthers in a game that is expected to be one-sided and possibly the only sweep in the first round.

Although both teams are loaded with talent, the Bruins dominated the regular season, while the Panthers barely made it to the playoffs. As a result, the Bruins are heavily favored.

Unfortunately, both teams could be missing some key players for game 1 due to injuries, as they were absent from practice yesterday.

Sasha Barkov is missing from #FlaPanthers practice this morning� George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) April 16, 2023

During the final game of the season against the Montreal Canadiens, the Boston Bruins made the decision to dress a full roster. Unfortunately, this decision resulted in the worst possible outcome as Patrice Bergeron sustained an injury and had to leave the game. Bergeron, who has also missed practice, is a game-time decision for game 1. Backup goaltender Jeremy Swayman is also in a similar situation.

Don Sweeney speaking now:

Another day of rest for Bergeron.

On Bergeron's status: «If he feels better, he'll play.»

Said Bergeron is dealing with both an injury and illness.

Swayman missed today's practice due to illness.� Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) April 16, 2023

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17 AVRIL \| 101 ANSWERS BREAKING: Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers could start playoffs without their BEST players Can Florida upset the Bruins?
yes	49	48.5 %
no	52	51.5 %
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