The Florida Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers] are set to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 on May 18. This is obviously a massive game for the two clubs playing, but it also impacts the Boston Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins]. While the Panthers knocked out the Bruins in each of the two previous post-seasons and the two clubs developed a deep rivalry in the process, fans should be rooting for the Cats to pull off a victory against the Maple Leafs in Game 7. This is because a Panthers loss would kill any chance of the Bruins receiving a first-round pick from Florida in the Brad Marchand trade. A Maple Leafs loss, on the other hand, would benefit the Bruins. At the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Bruins traded Marchand to the Panthers in exchange for a conditional 2027 second-round pick. However, this pick will change into a 2027 or 2028 first-round pick if the Panthers win two rounds and Marchand plays in at least 50% of Florida's playoff games. Thus, the Bruins need a Panthers win and a Maple Leafs loss in Game 7 to have any shot of getting that much-needed first-rounder. As for Marchand playing in at least 50% of Florida's playoff games, he has done a good job with that thus far. The Bruins legend has appeared in all 11 of the Panthers' post-season contests so far, posting two goals, nine points, and a plus-8 rating. Overall, while the Panthers had the Bruins' number in the previous two playoff years, Boston fans should be rooting for a Panthers win over the Maple Leafs in Game 7. Let's see if Florida can get it done and keep the Bruins' chances of getting another first-round pick alive. Recent Bruins News Report: Bruins Rival Interested In Boston Assistant Coach [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/report-bruins-rival-interested-in-boston-assistant-coach] Bruins Should Swing Trade For Wild Star This Summer [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-should-swing-trade-for-wild-star-this-summer] Bruins Have Interesting Prospect To Consider With 7th Overall Pick [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-have-interesting-prospect-to-consider-with-7th-overall-pick] Report: New Name Emerges In Bruins' Coaching Search [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/report-new-name-emerges-in-bruins-coaching-search] Report: Former Bruin Has 'Real Chance' To Be Team's Next Coach [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/report-former-bruin-has-real-chance-to-be-boston-s-next-coach]
