Game 1 was as close to textbook perfection as the Toronto Maple Leafs could get. Do they have a shot of going up 2-0 in Boston?
The Toronto Maple Leafs exploded out of the gates in Game 1 with speed and intensity the Boston Bruins were not expecting. This result was a 4-1 pounding and a very quiet TD Gardens. After the game, Brad Marchand did not mince words to the media – “I think maybe we thought it was going to be a little easier than it was out there.”
Well, the Bruins won’t be caught sleeping this time and the Maple Leafs need to keep their foot on the gas if they want to build off that momentum. Here are three keys to victory for the Leafs in Game 2.
3. Energizer Bunnies
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It’s no secret that the Maple Leafs overwhelmed the Bruins with their speed. All four lines forechecked hard, forced turnovers, and the stretch pass was working like a charm. Many times, the Bruins’ defense was caught flat-footed and had no answer for the Leafs’ speed, other than drawing a penalty.
The fourth line was the biggest thorn for 6’9″ Zdeno Chara, especially when 5’10” Trevor Moore crushed him into the boards.
In the second period, the Bruins gave up three clear breakaways, including one that led to Mitch Marner‘s short-handed-penalty-shot goal. The speed of the Leafs’ wingers, combined with their ferocious forechecking lead to many turnovers and grade-A chances for the Leafs. The Bruins’ defense had no space or time to make the proper play and Toronto made them pay.
If the Leafs want to win game 2, they need to continue to play with the same intensity and speed as Game 1 and really wear down the defense.
2. Shutdown Specialist
In Game 1, the potent Patrice Bergeron line was silenced by John Tavares‘ line. The only time they were dangerous was in the first period when they scored on the power play. Other than that, they were neutralized. No, scratch that, they were dominated.
Not only did John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and Zach Hyman shut down the Bergeron line, they scored three goals and ran that line out of town. When that line isn’t producing, the Bruins aren’t either and the Leafs lines 2-4 were having a field day with their offensive chances.
Speed was a big factor, but the other was the faceoff dot. Bergeron is regarded as the best faceoff man in the league, but Tavares dominated him in Game 1, winning 62% of his draws. Auston Matthews was a close second at 59%. While Bergeron himself was at 59% (which is really good), he didn’t win when it mattered most. A lot of offensive draws were lost, especially when the Bruins’ pulled their goalie to attempt a comeback.
The Bruins’ top line will be hungry to respond and they will come into Game 2 with everything they’ve got. Tavares and his linemates need to continue their strong play if they wish to contain that line and grab the win.
1. Andersen
The best answer to Bergeron’s line is Frederik Andersen. In Game 1, he was a wall. After the Bruins scored on the power play, he shut the door. Andersen faced 38 shots and stopped 37 of them, including some grade-A chances from the Bruins.
He kept the Leafs in the game early on and when the offense responded, he made sure that they kept the lead. Last postseason, the Leafs lost because Andersen was not himself. If Toronto wants to beat the Boston Bruins, they’re going to need their goaltender to keep his play up.
He was a steady force in net, never scrambling and always in position. When Andersen is playing like that, he’s tuned in. In the third period, he made a high-risk pass down the middle of the ice which wasn’t the smartest idea, but it showed how confident he was of his abilities. He is the biggest piece of the playoff puzzle and the Leafs need him dialed in if they want to beat the Bruins.
The Boston Bruins will have a strong response in Game 2 and the Maple Leafs need to be ready for a drastically different opponent. As long as they continue to play with the same intensity and they get the big saves from Andersen, they should be heading back to Toronto with a 2-0 series lead.
For more 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage, check out our Stanley Cup Playoffs page.