Why Bruins Fans Should (Reluctantly) Cheer for the Panthers This Playoff Run

It might feel unnatural for Boston Bruins fans to root for the Florida Panthers — and for good reason. The Panthers have knocked the Bruins out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs two years in a row.

But this spring, there's a twist.

When Boston traded longtime captain Brad Marchand to Florida at the trade deadline in March, they received a conditional 2027 second-round pick. Here’s the key: that pick becomes a first-rounder in 2027 or 2028 if the Panthers win two or more playoff rounds and Marchand plays in at least half of their postseason games.

In short: the deeper Florida goes, the better the return for Boston.

And with the Bruins aiming to restock their prospect pipeline and trade assets, securing another first-round pick could be a big boost for their future plans.

So, as odd as it sounds, Bruins fans have a real incentive to root for Florida to make it at least to the Eastern Conference Final.

Is that realistic?

Actually, yes. The Panthers enter the playoffs as favorites to win the East for a third straight year. But they’ll have to earn it. First up: a tough opening-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning — a rematch of last year’s five-game Florida victory. Tampa enters this time with one of the league’s best even-strength offenses and top-three save percentage, so the series could be a grind.

If Florida advances, they’re likely to face the Atlantic Division-winning Toronto Maple Leafs. While the Leafs have an impressive roster, they haven’t reached the conference finals since 2002 and have just one playoff series win in the last two decades. Compared to Toronto, Florida holds a clear edge in postseason experience and goaltending stability.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs — Bruins fans know that better than most. But the possibility of that second-rounder converting into a valuable first-round pick? That’s something worth keeping an eye on.

So yes, it might feel weird — but cheering for the Panthers this time around might just pay off for Boston in the long run.