Gary Bettman Takes a Shot at the Boston Bruins After First-Round Choke

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Wade Messier
June 7, 2023 (1:39 PM)

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The whole hockey world was shocked when the Boston Bruins lost to the Florida Panthers in the first round of this year's playoffs. This season's President Trophy winners' untimely exit from the playoffs was more of a comment on the will of the Panthers, rather than the weakness of the Bruins, but still served as a reminder that even the best teams aren't invincible.

Bettman Joins In On The Fun

Gary Bettman, the NHL's controversial commissioner, joined the NHL on TNT broadcast to discuss the ongoing Stanley Cup Finals, but managed to sneak a little shot at the Bruins' shortcomings in the process.

"I think we're learning that winning the President's Trophy isn't such a good thing, look at the Boston Bruins! With the exceptional year they had during the regular season, who would've thought they would've been knocked out the way they did?"

Wow! Gary certainly didn't hold back there.

Not All The Blame Is On Boston

While Boston did lose in an underwhelming fashion, it shouldn't be understated just how well this Florida Panthers team has performed in the playoffs this year. They beat one of the best Leafs teams ever assembled on paper in five games and swept the powerhouse Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.

Florida has played like one of the best hockey teams on the planet throughout the post-season this year, and they 100% deserve to be where they are currently.

So while yes, Boston did lose, Florida's contribution shouldn't be understated.

As Seen on Bruins Insider