Toronto Maple Leafs: Boston Bruins Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
Toronto Maple Leafs: Boston Bruins Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
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.
Dec 31, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James Van Riemsdyk (21) skates with the puck with Boston Bruins center Seth Griffith (53) in pursuit during the overtime period at TD Banknorth Garden. The Maple Leafs won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Maple Leafs (29-43-6) @Boston Bruins (40-25-13) 7:00 p.m. CBC.
The Leafs are 2-1 against the Bruins this season.
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Leafs Injury Report
Stephane Robidas is out with a shoulder injury.
Roman Polak is out with a hernia injury.
Nathan Horton is out with a back injury.
Bruins Injury Report
Dougie Hamilton is out with broken ribs.
Kevan MIller is out with a shoulder injury.
Marc Savard is out with a concussion.
Game Preview
Dec 31, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) takes a shot on goal against the Boston Bruins during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Years ago a game between the Leafs and Bruins would most likely end in a lopsided victory for Bostonm but that has slowly changed. This season the Leafs have a chance to clinch a series win over the Bruins, although much more is at stake. After making Buffalo Sabres fans bitter because they got two points closer to the Arizona Coyotes in the standings, the Leafs can play spoiler in a different way. The Bruins are clinging to the final playoff spot, with the Ottawa Senators right behind them. With the Leafs playing the Bruins and Senators on back-to-back nights, it will be an important weekend for the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.
Dec 31, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) and Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) chase after the puck with Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) looking on during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. The Maple Leafs won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
The Leafs have won their last two games against the Bruins, but it has been an unpredictable season for Toronto. For example, they won against the Tampa Bay Lightning, only to lose to the Sabres the following night. Nazem Kadri has scored on back-to-back nights, and usually plays well against the Bruins. Where Kadri was starting to get noticed was not just by what he could contribute offensively but with his defensive improvements. The Bruins are on the hot seat with ownership and if they fail to qualify for the playoffs, there is a good chance that changes could be made.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Dec 31, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) shoots the puck against the Boston Bruins during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. The Maple Leafs won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Kessel career vs BOS: 29 GP – 6 goals – 12 assists – 18 PTS
James van Riemsdyk career vs BOS: 21 GP- 6 goals- 6 assists- 12 PTS
Joffrey Lupul career vs BOS: 25 GP- 6 goals- 12 assists- 18 PTS
Nazem Kadri career vs BOS: 14 GP- 4 goals- 6 assists- 10 PTS
Jonathan Bernier career vs BOS: 7 GP– Record: 3-3 3.66 GAA – .888 SV%
James Reimer career vs BOS: 12 GP- Record: 5-5-1, 2.64 GAA- .921 SV%
Boston Bruins
Dec 31, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak (42) face off during the first period at TD Banknorth Garden. The Maple Leafs won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Patrice Bergeron career vs TOR: 51 GP- 16 goals- 30 assists- 46 PTS
Brad Marchand career vs TOR: 23 GP- 5 goals- 11 assists- 16 PTS
David Krecji career vs TOR: 40 GP- 13 goals- 25 assists- 38 PTS
Zdeno Chara career vs TOR: 82 GP- 13 goals- 25 assists- 38 PTS
Tuukka Rask career vs TOR: 16 GP- Record: 10-3-1, 1.92 GAA- .933 sv%
Keys to Victory
Dec 31, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Loui Eriksson (21) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) battle for the puck during the first period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
This will be a spirited effort that could get rough with the style that the Bruins have a reputation for. The Leafs will have to be cautious of that and hope that Boston takes unnecessary penalties in the process.
Reimer is expected to get the nod against the Bruins, which is not surprising given the way he has played over his last few starts. What does this mean for the goaltending situation? Is there a conflict or is it being blown out of proportion? Reimer is signed for next season and does not want to leave. Bernier needs a new contract and it is not certain whether he will get long term deal. This is Reimer’s chance to show that he can stay in Toronto for the time being.
Dec 31, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) against the Boston Bruins during the 3rd period at TD Banknorth Garden. The Maple Leafs won 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
There has been improvements from the top line and the defensive pairing of Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner, but there are lapses in decision making that have cost the Leafs. This is the time for the younger players to learn and hopefully become better as a result.