The Boston Bruins are on the verge of eliminating their Atlantic Division rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bruins head into Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series with a commanding 3-1 series lead. After two crucial road wins, they are keen to clinch victory on home ice and advance to the next round.
Related: Maple Leafs Sign Prospect & KHL Champion Nikita Grebyonkin to ELC
However, the Maple Leafs are determined to extend the series by mounting a comeback – as improbable as that might be. Fans should settle in for an intense game this evening regardless of what kind of a lineup the Maple Leafs ice.
Item 1: Bruins Seek to Keep Maple Leafs’ Offence Under Wraps
The key issue for tonight’s game is likely the Maple Leafs’ ability to mount any offensive attack against the determined Bruins’ defence. Boston likely expects the Maple Leafs to play with desperation. Yet, the Bruins will enter the game carrying the baggage of their own memories of last year’s playoff disappointment. You can count on that being part of the text of head coach Jim Montgomery’s pre-game speech, emphasizing the Bruins’ need to play with urgency and execute their game plan.
Is it too much for Maple Leafs’ fans to expect anything except more of the same offensive struggles? Thus far, with the talent of stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares (with a game from William Nylander), the Maple Leafs have struggled to score in this series. Can Toronto find ways to generate more scoring opportunities and capitalize on them? If they cannot, their playoff hopes are over.
Item 2: Auston Matthews’ Uncertain Status Adds Intrigue to Game 5
To make matters even more desperate, the Maple Leafs are heading into this pivotal Game 5 without their star center. Matthews might be sidelined due to some undefined illness. After two periods, he was pulled from Game 4 under doctor’s orders and did not practice on Monday. He remains questionable for tonight’s game. Head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed his hope that Matthews would be available for the game, but his status remains iffy.
Related: Keefe on Matthews’ Game 5 Availability and Unusual Illness Status
Matthews’ absence would be a significant blow to the Maple Leafs. Although he hasn’t shown much during the series outside of Game 2, he’s been the Maple Leafs’ key offensive catalyst all season. His on-ice…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…