Panthers Player Says His Team Isn't Scared of the Boston Bruins

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Dorin Canaday
April 15, 2023 (2:23 PM)

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Despite the Panthers barely squeezing into the playoffs this season after winning the Presidents' Trophy in 2021-22, one player is adamant his team isn't afraid of the Bruins this year.

Chance of an Upset?

As we all know, Boston dominated the regular season on their way to the NHL record for single-season wins (65) and points (135), with SEVERAL other milestones and accolades along the way.

That didn't stop Panthers defenseman Radko Gudas from expressing how his team isn't particularly scared of one of the best teams ever:

''This is the moment that we have been fighting for the whole year. It does not matter what happened in the first 82. This is a whole new season. Anything can happen.''

''Hey man, we're in the playoffs. Let's F***ing go.''

Following up on what Gudas was eluding to, Florida was just one of 12 teams to hand the Bruins a regular season loss this season. They were also only one of two teams that beat the Bruins twice, the other being the Ottawa Senators.

Because of that, Gudas noted how his team doesn't lack any confidence heading into game one:

''I think we are a confident group who believes we can play with anyone. The way we played Boston all season, it gave us confidence. They are the team they are for a reason, but we are in the playoffs for a reason as well. I am excited for the challenge. If you want to win it all, you have to get through the biggest hurdle and that's right from the start for us.''

Playoffs Are a Whole New Season

Just ask the 2019 Tampa Bay Lightning, who tied the previous single-season wins record of 62 at the time. Of course, that team went on to be swept in the first round by the 16th-seeded Columbus Blue Jackets - the franchise's first postseason series win.

The odds aren't exactly in Gudas' or the Panthers' favour, but as they always say, ''Anything can happen in the playoffs!''