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Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins Pregame Blog |
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After postponing their game in Ottawa Wednesday due to a shooting at Parliament Hill, the Leafs will take to the ice at home tonight to face the Bruins.
In spite of a Chara-less Bruins squad, their rivalry is still alive and fans are in for a good game.
The Leafs need to start producing more offensively, especially their 2nd line, and things couldn’t get any easier against the Bruins tonight with Chara out.
Kadri is adamant that it’s only a matter of time before his line breaks out but thus far, the Leafs have only won games in which Kessel has scored. That said, fingers are crossed that Kessel will score, however he tends to struggle agaisnt the Bruins so it is likely that the Leafs will need Kadri and Lupul to step it up.
In spite of their underachievement, one shining note on the Leafs is Bozaks performance so as he’s put up 7 points in 7 games. He’ll have his best shot at putting up points tonight with a weakened Bruins defensive unit and some line mates who have been hot.
Not only is Chara missing from tonight's action, but after the Bruins traded Boychuk to the Islanders, they are arguably less threatening defensively. And even with all off this in the Leafs corner, the better goalie may ultimately decide the game. Moreover, they will need to shut down the likes of Bergeron and Krejci who will see plenty of ice time in the offensive end.
Defensively the Leafs are looking decent but I’ll be looking for Gardiner to step it up. He’s a talented player so 1 assist thus far and 3 games with a negative +/- are to be considered under-performing. He’s only just come back from popcorn eating in the pressbox and expectations are high after rookie Percy impressed in the beginning of the season.
The Leafs should be able to edge out the Bruins tonight but it will require all their underachieving players to step it up.
Thanks for reading!
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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