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Round 1: Why the Maple Leafs will defeat the Bruins

April 12, 2018, 8:48 AM ET [275 Comments]
Lucas Neilson
Blogger •Atlantic Division Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Somehow the Leafs are considered the underdogs in this series (what’s a few points), I’ve always been one to cheer for the underdog, but then I’ve also always been one to route for my beloved Leafs.

Toronto is a younger, faster and higher skilled team than the Bruins. They have more offensive depth and offensive defense which of course can work against them at times. Boston is a more structured team than Toronto defensively but don’t create nearly as much offense from the back end.

In the overall, goaltending is pretty equal. Rask and Andersen have both been stable and have been a big part as to why their teams surpassed the 100 point mark this season. Rask has more experience than Andersen, but Freddie still has multiple seasons of playoff experience and was marvelous for the Maple Leafs last year against the Capitals.

Marchand leads the charge in penalty minutes (63) and points (85) for both teams and van Riemsdyke has the most goals (36). Obviously Matthews would have surpassed both of these totals had he been healthy all season.

Overall the Leafs have more players to look out for: Matthews, Nylander, Marner, Kadri, JVR, Marleau, Rielly and Gardiner. Boston has Marchand, Bergeron, Pastrnak, Krug and McAvoy. I’ve looked closely at the rosters and the depth and Toronto looks stronger in just about every aspect.

That top line for Boston is the huge threat whereas the Leafs are spread out with scoring potential on each forward line. Both teams are good on the power play, but the Leafs have an edge as they have two quality power play lines and not just one to focus on.

Babcock doesn’t need home ice to out coach; it’s his job and his passion.

Tonight is the start of a big series for the Leafs. The city of Toronto is overdue for a playoff run, I can smell the hockey in the air these days, perhaps that’s just the odor from my hockey bag in the trunk. Nevertheless, tonight Leafs Nation will erupt.

Look for the young Leafs to come out with confidence, speed and intense pressure as they kick off the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a big win on the road against the Bruins.

I’m calling Leafs in six with a big win on home ice.

Hope everyone is fired up for the big game tonight!

Go Leafs Go!

Thanks for reading.
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