As the highly anticipated Eastern Conference Final matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Carolina Hurricanes gets underway, one key storyline is set to take center stage: the impact of a prolonged layoff on the Bruins' performance. After a grueling first-round series against the Florida Panthers that pushed them to the limit, the Bruins had nearly two weeks off before taking on the Hurricanes. This extended break is a concern for Boston, as history has shown that prolonged layoffs can be detrimental to a team's momentum and chemistry. Will the Bruins be able to shake off the rust and regain their footing, or will the Hurricanes capitalize on their opponent's lack of game action?

Impact of long layoff on display in Eastern Conference Final opener  NHL.com