Despite their dominance of the Eastern Conference to the tune of a 21-7 record, the B’s are only .500 against teams from the Southeast.
What makes that record even more surprising is the fact that only two other teams have worse records against that division: the Pittsburgh Penguins and their opponent on Saturday night, the Carolina Hurricanes.
The B’s have lost both meetings with the ‘Canes this season, including an ugly 4-1 loss last time out where Boston racked up a whopping 68 penalty minutes. They’ll likely be out for revenge as they prepare to face Southeast teams in three straight road games against Carolina, Florida and Tampa Bay.
Elsewhere, the Bruins have had no trouble with the Atlantic division so far (6-1) or their own Northeast (11-2). But the explanation isn’t easy, considering the Southeast might be the weakest division in the East.
The Atlantic division is strong, considering the level the Flyers and Rangers have played at this season. Likewise, the Bruins and surprising Senators are bunched up at the top of the Northeast. However, for all the strong teams in those divisions, the bottom-dwellers tend to drag them both down a bit. The Southeast is the most balanced from top to bottom, which would be either a testament to its competitive nature or a demonstration of its mediocrity.
Either way, the Bruins have plenty of games left to figure out all the divisions, beginning on Saturday night.
