The Bruins host the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday April 11th, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. This is the first game of a 7 game series (if necessary) in which both teams are battling for a Stanley Cup. The Bruins currently hold the #2 seed in the Eastern conference with the Leafs holding the #3 seed.

The Bruins overcame many injuries throughout the season to get where they are now at 49-24-9 and 107 points, mostly fueled by Brad Marchand’s 100 point season, David Pastrnak’s 38 goal season, and David Krejci’s 73 point season. When it comes to advantages of different parts of the game the Bruins and Leafs go back and forth between defense, goal tending, coaching, health, and special teams where each team has some advantage over the other.

Tuukka Rask will get the head nod between the pipes as he carried out a 27-13-5 record which is up to par but nothing extraordinary. Jaroslav Halak was even better with a 22-11-4 record and a .922 save percentage, but Tuukka is more favorable due to his experience. If things start to get scary look to see Halak in net to fill Rask’ role and change the momentum of the game. The B’s have the third best power play in the league at 25.9% and the Leafs are eighth at 21.8%. I like the B’s head coach Cassidy’s ego and what he’s done with so many injuries in the lineup, getting them in the playoffs I hope the Bruins can flourish with surviving and advancing.

http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/26473842/2019-stanley-cup-playoffs-boston-bruins-vs-toronto-maple-leafs-series-preview-pick