They simply couldn’t retain their record breaking roster.
To put it in perspective, he has 43 more points than the next Bruin, Brad Marchand.
He gets paid to score goals and that’s what the Bruins will need from him this postseason.
Dude just loves beating Toronto.
If the Bruins are to advance, Pasta will be a big reason why.
He is their offense and the Bruins will go as far as he (and Marchand) go.
I’ve watched this Behind The B clip no less than 8,000 times.
Marchand’s composure in this series will be important.
Marchand, DeBrusk and Coyle will likely see a lot of Auston Matthews.
Two really great regular seasons from them.
Coyle hit career highs in goals with 25 and points with 60.
The Bruins would not be in this position without those two.
Really good production that will need to continue this playoff run.
Don Sweeney went bargain hunting last July and found some value gold with Danton Heinen.
He entered the year on a PTO and finished the season with 17 goals and 19 assists.
Not sure if that’s injury related or play related.
But JVR looks to be a scratch in Game 1.
If he is to return to the lineup, he’ll likely replace Jakub Lauko on the 3rd line.
The Bruins will miss JVR’s net front presence on the PP, which has struggled of late.
But credit to Sweeney for finding guys who have contributed greatly at little cost.
Lauko - Geekie - Frederic make up a fascinating third line.
Get you a man who can do both!
This will be his first postseason experience, however.
The Big Rig is ready for playoff hockey.
Johnny Beecher slots in on the left side, he’ll be important on the draw.
Boqvist’s speed bodes well against Toronto and hopefully Beecher/JVR and Maroon can keep up.
I still can’t believe he’s on this team.
I can’t believe it’s been 7 years since his first playoffs against Ottawa.
In shocking fashion, Hampus doesn’t have a single postseason point in 2 years with Boston.
Looking for that to change and Lindholm to be a big reason why Boston has success these playoffs.
Carlo has been rock solid all year long.
Shattenkirk, who has a Stanley Cup to his name, will help keep him in check.
If it’s not broken don’t fix it right?
I think Ullmark is your guy, but he will certainly have a shorter leash than years past.
He has an insane release and can score from quite literally anywhere.
A threat every time he steps on the ice.
The Leafs biggest strength in this series is their high caliber players like Nylander, Marner and Tavares.
But the Leafs will go as far as Matthews goes.
I imagine the Coyle line and McAvoy will get most of his matchups.
Bertuzzi turns it on as we know in the playoffs which is a scary thought.
Domi is presumed healthy and will be ready for Game 1.
William Nylanderdidn’t practiceon Friday afternoon, and his availability for Game 1 is up in there air.
I’d be surprised if he didn’t play, though.
It’d be a big loss for the Leafs if he can’t go tonight.
Ryan Reaves will be barking at anyone and everyone.
It’ll be a great matchup to see him and Maroon going at it.
Theres actually a good bit of physicality between both squads.
Sam Benoit has pushed TJ Brodie out of the lineup, which is a bit of a surprise.
While Boston has a weaker offense, Toronto has the weaker defense.
They do have newly signed Cade Webber (Boston University) waiting in the wings should they need him.
If Samsonov falters, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Leafs turn to Woll or even Murray.
This is by far Toronto’s biggest weakness and hopefully the likes of Pastrnak and company can exploit this.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Both power play units for both teams have struggled in the latter portion of the season.
The Maple Leafs are clicking at 24% while Boston is clicking at 22.2%.
The Bruins finished the year with just 2 goals in their last 30 man advantages, fucking grossssss.
Shattenkirk has helped revive that first group a bit.
Where Boston succeeds in comparison is the penalty kill.
82.5% compared to Toronto’s 76.9%.
The Bruins however, should not give Toronto’s offense any sort of leg up.
SERIES ODDS:
Odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
PREDICTION:
Bruins in 7.
But you throw that out the window the second the puck drops for the postseason.
Not in Jack Edwards last season as PxP announcer.
Let’s fucking go.
It’s a great night to win a hockey game.
