Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Key Matchups to watch vs. Boston Bruins
Nazem Kadri vs Patrice Bergeron
Even with the addition of Tomas Plekanec, Kadri will continue to be counted on to try and shut down the Bruins’ top line when given the chance. This will likely come more at home, with Mike Babcock not having the ability to match lines on the road.
That could also play in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ favour, given how much of an impact Kadri’s line has had since Mitch Marner took Leo Komarov‘s spot.
In four games against the Bruins, Kadri played 44:01 against Bergeron. That means Kadri should know what to expect from the Bruins’ centre, who did own the advantage in faceoffs and goals scored.
Kadri’s line did match the well against Bergeron’s line when it came to possession, but they will need Marner and Patrick Marleau to help carry the offence a bit at even strength.
The Leafs may try to get the fourth line to matchup against Bergeron’s line if possible, but expect Kadri to draw the most time-on-ice against the Bruins’ top line.
If they can limit the offensive impact that they have, it will certainly put pressure on Boston’s depth, which probably won’t be able to match what the Leafs have.