NHL Playoffs 2018: Boston Bruins Best Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1
The Boston Bruins outclassed the Toronto Maple Leafs to get a huge Game 1 win in the NHL Playoffs 2018.
The Boston Bruins dominated their way to a 5-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs to take 1-0 edge in their best-of-seven series in the NHL Playoffs 2018. From the opening faceoff, the game felt like it was played between men amongst boys as the Maple Leafs were overwhelmed by the physicality the Bruins displayed.
Toronto was visibly bothered by the relentless checking from Boston, as the run and gun Maple Leafs were never able to find an offensive groove. The Bruins appeared machine-like as they’d constantly check on defense while continuously firing the puck on net finishing with 40 shots.
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Boston never gave Toronto any room to breathe as the Bruins would also win the special teams battle. Boston would score three power-play goals while being perfect on the penalty-kill. For a series that was supposed to be a coin flip, the Bruins did everything they could to make Toronto look like a deer in the headlights.
The Maple Leafs were completely outclassed in their biggest test of the season. The only positive for Toronto maybe it would be awfully difficult for the club to play this poorly again in Game 2.
Young Maple Leafs leader Auston Matthews looked out of place as he’d struggle to move the puck and release his shot. Mitch Marner was pushed around with ease. Meanwhile, the suspect Toronto blue line became their own worst enemies.
For Boston, Brad Marchand left his fingerprints all over game one. He’d finish with a goal and assist but he impacted the game even more getting underneath the skin of the Maple Leafs. David Pastrnak would lead all players with three points, as 10 Bruins would find the scoresheet.
With so many Bruins earning at least one point it’d send a clear message to Toronto. This was supposed to be the high-powered Maple Leafs filled with three lines capable of taking over a game. However, it’d be Boston showing they have the type of depth capable of producing offensive up and down their own lineup.
The lowest moment for Toronto came when Nazem Kadri was ejected from the game for charging Tommy Wingels. The Maple Leafs center targeted Wingels’ head while the Bruin was next to the boards. Kadri was clearly frustrated and lost the battle with his emotions while stepping over the line. It shouldn’t be surprising to see Kadri be suspended for game two.
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After losing three games to the Maple Leafs in the regular season, the Bruins delivered a statement it’s a whole new game in the postseason. Toronto will need to learn how to handle Boston’s defensive attack while cleaning up their own defensive game as 40 shots against is unacceptable.
The Maple Leafs will be a better team in game two but it’ll be tough to even the series against a Bruins team that was practically perfect in game one.
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