Florida Panthers Knock Out Bruins, New York Rangers Up Next

Moments after the Florida Panthers knocked the Bruins out of the playoffs Friday night, Matthew Tkachuk was asked about his team’s next opponent, the New York Rangers.

Tkachuk just rolled his head back and smiled.

“Oh, geez, that’s very soon to be asking about that one,’’ Tkachuk told TNT’s Anson Carter. He also did not say ‘geez.’

Tkachuk also had some things to say about the Rangers as he sat in an empty arena in his sweaty, torn undershirt.

“Watching their games throughout the playoffs, they have an unbelievable goaltender — like us — and a very well-rounded defense like us,’’ Tkachuk continued. “They also have some guys up front who can put the puck in the net. I would say their power play is their biggest strength from what I have seen so far in the playoffs.

“I think it will be a combination of Tampa and Boston, but maybe with some of their high-end skill and the power play, more like Tampa. Maybe.’’

The Panthers will have plenty of time to break down video of the Rangers following Friday night’s 2-1 win in Game 6 against the Bruins.

The team will fly back from Boston today, and will not play Game 1 until Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Florida may have some bumps-and-bruises which could use the soak in between games.

First, you had captain Sasha Barkov block a David Pastrnak shot with his left hand which caused him to briefly leave the ice and go to the medical room.

Niko Mikkola also left the game for a time, as did Nick Cousins and Eetu Luostarinen.