ECQF Match-Up: Toronto Maple Leafs Vs. Boston Bruins

Well everyone the time has come for the Toronto Maple Leafs to come back to the NHL Playoffs! It’s been nine years since the last time they were here and they are hungry to stay longer. Where were you the last time the Leafs played this late in the season?

5th seed Eastern Conference

Vs.

4th seed Eastern Conference

Regular Season Wrap-Up

In the season series the Bruins had the upper hand as the Leafs went 1-2-0-1 versus the divisional rival. All game were tight games with only one game being decided by more than one goal. Neither the Leafs nor the Bruins finished the season with a bang, although the Leafs did finish slightly better. The Leafs managed to finish the season going 5-4-1 in the last team as the Bruins 3-5-2. If you want to use the last ten games as a measuring stick well then the Leafs have the upper had in that aspect.

Mar 22, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Colton Orr (28) fights Boston Bruins left wing Shawn Thornton (22) at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview

It should be a fun series to watch as both franchises have quite a history with each other and all season long we seen some tight hockey being played. It should also be interesting to see who is right as some experts have chosen the Leafs to win as some have picked the Bruins, this also applies to us (not the expert part) but the differences part as Jamie and I have the Bruins wining and Jared has the Leafs winning! I believe the Bruins have all the muscle needed to fight off the Leafs and have a much deeper line-up and also should I point out that they also have 2 very capable goalies? the Leafs also have a decent line-up and a goaltender in James Reimer that has had a solid season. But in the end I think the Bruins will prevail with timely scoring and timely saves, as they seem to always find a way to win when they need it most. As I’ve said before good teams find a way to win on a nightly basis and the Bruins are a better team! But upsets do happen, will be a great series to watch!

Difference makers 

Phil Kessel, TOR – Kessel has really stepped up his game this year finishing 8th with points in the NHL with 53.  He seems to be becoming a leader for this club, as he should with the trade that was needed to acquire his services.

Tuukka Rask, BOS – Rask will be facing he club that had originally drafted him and that should add some fire to his game. If there’s someone who can stop Kessel it’s him and the Bruins will need him to do so to win this series.

Parting Shot

I get the feeling that this won;t be a friendly series and might encounter a few fights. Probably an understatement right there. This will be a rough series and will see it’s fair share of big hits. It will be a tightly fought battle and should go more than 5 games unless one of the teams fall apart.

Schedule

Game 1: At Boston Wednesday May 1st, 7:00 PM ET

Game 2: At Boston Saturday May 4th, 7:00 PM ET

Game 3: At Toronto Monday May 6th, 7:00 PM ET

Game 4: At Toronto Wednesday May 8th, 7:00 PM ET

*Game 5: At Boston Friday May 10th, 7:00 PM ET

*Game 6: At Toronto Sunday May 12th, TBD

*Game 7: At Boston Monday May 13th, TBD

*If Needed

I will only be doing a series overview and not game previews, but look for game recaps as I will be recapping all games!