After an ugly 2024-25 season, the Boston Bruins are not in the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. This is certainly not what was expected of them after a busy off-season.
While the Bruins are not in the playoffs, several of their former players are fighting to win the Stanley Cup this spring. This includes former Bruins star Taylor Hall, who is now playing for the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes acquired Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks back in January, and the veteran winger has been solid for them since. The 2010 first-overall pick scored nine goals and recorded 18 points in 31 regular-season games with the Hurricanes following the move. This included posting three points in his final two games of the regular-season.
Now, Hall has carried over his hot streak to the beginning of the playoffs for the Hurricanes, as he had a solid Game 1 against the New Jersey Devils on April 20. Hall recorded two primary assists in the Hurricanes' 4-1 win over New Jersey, including on Logan Stankoven's goal that gave Carolina a commanding 3-0 lead.
Hall's assist on Stankoven's goal was a beauty, too. Hall made a perfect pass in the slot to Stankoven, and the young forward then fired it home for his second goal of the game.
When playing at his best, Hall is an impactful offensive contributor, and he certainly was just that for the Canes in Game 1 against New Jersey. He will now look to stay hot for the Metropolitan Division club from here.
In 158 games over three seasons with the Bruins, Hall had 44 goals, 67 assists, 111 points, and a plus-37 rating. His time in Boston ended when he was traded to the Blackhawks during the 2023 NHL off-season.
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