Tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Boston Bruins on the road. Both teams have a lot on the line, including a history of animosity that’s developed from being competitors over the many seasons these two Original Six teams have played.
With five games left in the season, the Bruins have a chance to break the NHL record for most wins in a season and surpass the league record for points in an 80-game season. That’s quite an amazing accomplishment. That said, you don’t have to ask many Maple Leafs fans about how regular-season success might not always translate into the postseason. Last season was record-setting for Toronto, but it mattered naught for the postseason.
You can bet the Bruins know that and are focused on the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup. Still, it was interesting to see left-winger Brad Marchand speak about the significance of his team reaching its 60th victory of the season. The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, have a different agenda. They are looking to solidify their position in second place in their division and ensure they get home-ice advantage for their first series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Item One: Maple Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe Tips His Hat to the Bruins’ Season
Clearly, Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe has a ton of respect for the Bruins and what they’ve accomplished this season. He joked that they should host the NHL awards ceremony in their own building this year, as they have been so dominant throughout the season and should clean up.
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Keefe is aware of how impressive the Bruins’ performance has been this season. They have separated themselves from the rest of the league and established themselves as a true powerhouse. But, as noted above, will this translate to postseason success? We will soon see.
Item Two: Ryan O’Reilly Will Play Tonight
After more than a month, Ryan O’Reilly (ROR) will return to the lineup against the Bruins tonight. He’s been out of action since March 4 when he suffered a broken finger and had surgery. He’s finally ready and has been cleared to play.
When O’Reilly first came to the Maple Leafs, he started with a bang. In late February, he scored a hat trick and added an assist in the Maple Leafs’ 6-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres on the road. However, just prior to his injury, he…
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