Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: New Year’s Eve Clash With the Boston Bruins

We have all waited patiently and now it is time to drop the puck on a new season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here at the Tip of the Tower we strive to give you as much content on your Toronto sports teams as humanly possible. This series will preview every single Toronto Maple Leafs game and what you should know for the game that night.

Leafs Injury Report

Leo Komarov is doubtful with a concussion.
Jonathan Bernier is likely to return from the flu.
Richard Panik is questionable with an upper-body injury.

Bruins Injury Report

Patrice Bergeron is questionable with an undisclosed injury.
Milan Lucic is questionable with an undisclosed injury.
Adam McQuaid is doubtful with a broken thumb.

Game Preview

Dec 29, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) shoots as Toronto Maple Leafs center Mike Santorelli (25) defends during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs have been struggling recently with holding a lead. Now they return to the scene of the original crime, as they play their first game in Boston this season. The Leafs are going to have to find a way to overcome their recent struggles. They have lost two-straight games when they have had a two-goal lead.

Dec 20, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) gets ready moments before the start of their game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Air Canada Centre. The Flyers beat the Maple Leafs 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Bernier returned to practice on Tuesday, which means he could be on track to make his return after sitting out the last two games with the flu. Panik and Komarov are still dealing with injuries, which means the top six forwards will have to pick up the slack for now. The Bruins have been dealing with injuries to their top six group as well, with Bergeron and Lucic both likely out.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Nov 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk (21) tries to get to a rebound from Boston Bruins goaltender Niklas Svedberg (72) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs BOS: 30 GP – 12 goals – 8 assist – 20 PTS

James van Riemsdyk career vs BOS: 28 GP- 5 goals- 11 assists- 16 PTS

Joffrey Lupul career vs BOS: 24 GP- 6 goals- 12 assists- 18 PTS

Nazem Kadri career vs BOS: 14 GP- 4 goals- 4 assists- 8 PTS

Jonathan Bernier career vs BOS: 6 GP– Record: 2-3 3.83 GAA – .888 SV%

James Reimer career vs BOS: 12 GP- Record: 5-5-1, 2.64 GAA- .921 SV%

Boston Bruins

Patrice Bergeron career vs Toronto: 50 GP- 16 goals- 30 assists- 46 PTS

Brad Marchand career vs Toronto: 22 GP- 5 goals- 11 assists- 16 PTS

Zdeno Chara career vs Toronto: 81 GP- 13 goals- 25 assists- 38 PTS

Dougie Hamilton career vs Toronto: 9 GP- 1 goal- 3 assists- 4 PTS

Tuukka Rask career vs Toronto: 15 GP (13 started) 10 wins- 3 losses- 1.85 GAA- .937 sv%

Keys to Victory

Nov 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mike Santorelli (25) carries the puck to the net as Boston Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (44) defends during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs beat the Bruins last time in a blowout. They should not be intimidated against their divisional rival, who are not as fierce as they used to be. However, they are still a dangerous team that has to be taken seriously.

The Leafs need to finish off a game cleanly. Blowing two-goal leads in consecutive games is unacceptable. It will not be long until questions start getting raised by management about making some drastic changes. It has to be a team effort to improve, not just putting the blame solely on goaltending.

Nov 12, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Stephane Robidas (12) tries to block a shot by Boston Bruins forward Simon Gagne (12) on Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier (45) during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

If the defence gets caught out of position, it will be hard to defend against a team that likes to battle and grind for their scoring chances. The Bruins are not the flashiest team, so the Leafs have to be ready for a tough physical game.

This could be the game where the Leafs pull out of their slump, if they are willing to put forth a strong team game against a Bruins team that is one of the best at taking advantage of freebies from their opponents.

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