It's a quiet but eventful day in Boston, as the Bruins hold their exit interviews with players and coaching staff, officially closing the book on a season that ended sooner than hoped. While general manager Don Sweeney, team president Cam Neely, and owner Jeremy Jacobs aren't speaking today, the focus is on what went wrong—and what comes next.
The first-round series against the Sabres was there for the taking, but the Bruins couldn't capitalize. Home ice wasn't the fortress it needed to be, with Boston going 0-3 at TD Garden in the postseason. Add a lack of gritty, "garbage" goals around the net, and it's clear where Round 1 slipped away. Now, the team faces an uncertain offseason, especially on defense. One of their top blueliners has been summoned to an in-person hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety after a controversial slash on Buffalo's Zach Benson, which could impact the start of next season.
Speaking of discipline, Charlie McAvoy's hearing stems from an incident where Benson was called for a slewfoot, but McAvoy's retaliatory slash across the chest drew the league's attention. It's a tough way to end a season for a player who's usually the backbone of the defense.
Elsewhere, the Bruins made a roster move by placing Lukas Reichel on waivers, hoping he clears so he can join Providence for the AHL playoffs. It's a strategic play to keep depth alive while the big club reshuffles.
Around the league, the second round is already heating up. The Hurricanes shut out the Flyers 3-0 in their series opener, and the full Round 2 schedule has been released, promising plenty of high-stakes hockey. Meanwhile, on the international stage, Connor Bedard won't suit up for Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships, but James Hagens has reportedly accepted an invitation to play for Team USA. The tournament kicks off May 15 in Switzerland.
And don't forget the Providence Bruins—they're looking to even their series against the Springfield Thunderbirds tonight. It's a busy time for hockey in New England, even if the main stage feels a little emptier than expected.
Catch up on all the details in today's Daily Bean.