Bedard's Weekend Briefing 05.17.19: Bruins sweep way to Cup Final, headed for long layoff

RALEIGH, N.C. — Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I wonder if the siren the Hurricanes use really works...

• In case you fell asleep early last night, the Bruins did what they did the entire series against the Hurricanes — took some punches early, dosed out their own medicine in the second period, and finished it off in the third (really, the games were all the same) — and won 4-0 to complete the sweep.


• Not sure I could be more impressed with this group, especially the Core Five. Amazing they've been at this almost a decade and they're back where they started, favored for a bookend title.


• I thought Patrice Bergeron was just outstanding in this game. Took it up another level with Zdeno Chara out.


• How many people hate Kyrie even more today?


• Must be the native worrywart in me (it will always be there, sorry), but I'm worried about the layoff. The Bruins have been going nonstop and seem to get better with every game. Now they could sit upwards of 11 days before playing again. Can't be optimal.


• Look at the teams that have swept in these playoffs: Blue Jackets ... ousted by Bruins; Islanders ... swept by Hurricanes; Hurricanes ... swept by Bruins; now Bruins ... ?


• I think the Bruins want that other series over as soon as possible so ... go Sharks? (You know the NHL is going to give the Blues the next game after #handpassgate, so you can forget that)


• Elsewhere in Boston sports ... Matt Barnes is doing his job very well.


• Bruce Arena was introduced.


• I like this new Patriots running back. Look out, Sony?


• PS: You knew it was a good Boston sports night when Todd Gurley was on the siren. All that was missing was a confused Sean McVay muttering, "They're playing zone?!"


• Lotta Bruins fans in the building. Felt like a road Patriots game in November/December when Pats fans take over the lower bowl for the last 10 minutes.

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