As promised we are back, this time with the mid-series update on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. The teams are fully entrenched in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff matchup. We at Last Word will be commenting on all the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoff series as they reach their respective mid-points. Coming into game three between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins, with the series deadlocked at a game apiece, it was screaming for an influential headline. As the old saying goes, you aren’t in trouble until you lose at home. However, that doesn’t exactly apply here. Now with the series 2-1 in favour of the Bruins, they are heavy favourites to win the series at -290. Game 4 will be back in Toronto, as the Leafs will be at home to the Bruins.
Ahead of Game 4, Nylander’s Status Remains Biggest Storyline in Leafs vs Bruins
Look at the storylines, and probably the biggest story continues to be someone who hasn’t played in it. William Nylander has not played yet in the series and is out with an undisclosed injury. Prior to game three, Head Coach Sheldon Keefe had suggested that Nylander would be a possibility to draw into the lineup. Conversely, he may have very well been just trying to answer the reporter’s question and move on. Nylander is a huge part of the Leafs offence and finished second in team scoring with 40 goals and 58 assists for 98 points. His status remains day-to-day, so it is very mysterious if or when he is expected back in the lineup.
Another Big Pre-Game 4 Mystery, Who Does the Bruins Start in Goal Against the Leafs?
Another story is about who is or isn’t playing, this time in the Boston goal. Will it be Jeremy Swayman or Linus Ullmark for game four of the series? In addition, you must consider how strong Swayman has played against the Leafs in 2023-24. Combining regular season and playoffs, he is 5-0 and carries a .957 SV%. Also, in his three regular-season appearances, he posted an outstanding GSAA of 5.4. On the other hand, the Bruins lost game two, and Ullmark was in the net. In game three, the Leafs just couldn’t seem to break free when they needed it the most.
Whether it was Mitch Marner hitting John Tavares in front with Swayman out of position, or Matthews ringing one off the pipe, Swayman just has their number. From an observer standpoint, it does seem difficult to go back to Ullmark for game four, but that’s what they’ve done all season. Now, the counterargument could be presented, yes, but if you win in five, Swayman will get plenty of rest ahead of a potential second-round matchup. At the end of the day, the Bruins just want to find the winning formula. And, of course, the Leafs want to disrupt that by any means necessary.
The Leafs Are Deeper than In Previous Seasons
When you really break down the Bruins game, what do they strategize? Against the Leafs, it seems when they get the lead, they are able to apply a simple but effective bend, don’t break type approach. That’s difficult against Auston Matthews. If the Leafs others come through like Max Domi did in game two, although partial credit to Matthews on the assist. But from tonight, the big Matthew Knies 1-0 goal, the supporting cast does need to come through for the Leafs. The depth can ultimately become one of the Leafs biggest strengths.
The last factor for the Leafs to come through in this series is the physicality. This has been a physical series, and in fact, the two teams’ total hits are within three of each other, Boston leads with 168. That led Bruins captain Brad Marchand to show humility and respect to the Leafs following the second game. Moreover, he was complimenting the Leafs, saying that they are a different team than years past. They play a physical style.
How Did the Swing Game 3 Impact the Leafs and Bruins First Round Series?
Whether it was mind games or a genuine showcase of respect, Marchand had a huge game three. The game three and therefore, series to this point, definitely took a turn late in the second period. As a matter of fact, the Leafs actually had the lead at the time. Then, things got a little carried away.
There was a slight, but still dangerous, slew-foot behind the Bruins net of Charlie McAvoy on Auston Matthews. Then the extra-curriculars carried over, which saw Tyler Bertuzzi and Marchand get into a tripping match. It became such a spectacle, that even the players expected the refs to blow the play down. They didn’t, however, and Trent Frederic took advantage and went for and tied the game at one. The Bruins just seemed to take control, and that sprung a stretch of four of the five goals being for the Bruins. Bertuzzi was able to tie it at two. In contrast, Marchand with his first of the night, buried a snap shot, securely above the glove, and under the bar to make it 4-3. After a few wild chances, and the Bruins hitting the side of the net multiple times, Marchand buried his second of the game on the empty-netter.
That’s currently where we stand. The series is 2-1 for Boston, but the games are extremely close. Look for the Leafs to battle back in game four on home-ice, and are slight favourites right now, at -120 to tie the series at two a piece. It will be interesting in both categories, will Nylander suit up for the Leafs in game four, and will coach Jim Motgomery go with Linus Ullmark behind the pipes.
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Main photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
