Tag Archives: NHL

Why Re-signing Khudobin Is Key

The Bruins will have many tough decisions this offseason. A few players entering free agency are Riley Nash, Rick Nash, Anton Khudobin, and Tim Schaller. Of all these players, the most valuable is Khudobin. Before last season the Bruins struggled to find a good goalie to back up Rask. This cost them late in the season as they tried to make the postseason. After struggling in 2016-2017, Khudobin had a bounce back year. He proved this past season why resigning him will be key for the Bruins.

Khudobin by the Numbers

This past season Khudobin statistically had his best season since 2013-2014, when he was in Carolina. He recorded sixteen wins, which was three short of his career high. He had the third lowest Goal Against average of his career. Khudobin stabilized a position that has been a glaring weakness for the Bruins. He proved that he was able to handle the increased responsibility as he played the third most minutes of his career. He also recorded his first shutout since 2015-2016 when he was with the Ducks.

Picture Credit: John Tlumacki/ Globe Staff

Beyond the Statline

Khudobin’s impact was not just reflected in his numbers but the impact he had on the team. Early on in the season when Rask was struggling, his backup pushed him to improve. When it seemed like Rask may lose his job as the number one goalie to Khudobin, he played much better. The backups in recent years had never put that type of pressure on Rask. Khudobin’s play allowed the Bruins to rest Rask throughout the season to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Every night it seemed like the Bruins had a chance to win regardless of who was in net once Rask got on a roll. This was key for the Bruins as they have many young defenseman.

Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images

Will the Bruins Re-sign Their Backup ?

Resigning Khudobin will not be easy. The Bruins do not have much cap space to work with. They have to think of the future as Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Ryan Donato will all be restricted free agents after next season and Jake DeBrusk the year after. All those players will command large contracts and replacing them isn’t a simple task. The Bruins have no goaltender in the minors that is NHL ready. Bringing back Khudobin will be key for this team if the two sides can find common ground. A one year will deal may be best as it solves a present need while giving the Bruins flexibility in the future.

The Under Appreciation of Tuukka Rask- By the Numbers

Leave a reply

It’s no secret that fans of Boston sports have become spoiled over the years. Our four teams have collectively won ten championships since 2001 and Boston is the winningest sports city of the 21st century. It’s a great label to have, but these consistent banners have led to fans expecting nearly unattainable results. High expectations are nothing new in Boston, but Tuukka Rask shouldn’t be under any scrutiny.

A DEPENDABLE ASSET

Rask has a .922 career save percentage to go with a 2.26 goals-against average. Anybody would admit that these are solid numbers, but most don’t realize just how impressive they really are. According to www.quanthockey.com, Rask leads all active NHL goalies in both categories. He beats out Lundqvist, Schneider, Quick and all the other superstar goalies in the NHL. Fans might want to consider this before begging for someone else.

He’s also yet to have his first statistically “bad” NHL season. The league average for save percentage typically hovers around .915, which is the lowest Rask has ever gone in a single season. This essentially means that even in his worst season, he was still average in comparison to the other goalies around the league.

His goals-against average is just as impressive. The league average spiked 7% this season but it usually hovers around 2.6. Rask’s career low is 2.67, and this speaks volumes to his consistency. Even in an off year, he’ll still allow less than three goals per game. That’s the kind of dependability teams need to be successful.

His play in the postseason, believe it or not, is even better. He has a career goals-against average of 2.25 and a .924 save percentage, both of which top his career regular season stats. Goalies are under an even bigger microscope in the playoffs, but this is a guy you can win a cup with.

A FLAWED PERCEPTION

The reality is that Bruins fans have been spoiled by both Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask. Even the backups have been reliable. It’s been so steady between the pipes that some fans have forgotten what bad goaltending is actually like.

Rask has been a victim of high expectations, and the Bruins are incredibly lucky to have him signed through 2021.

Keys for the Bruins Ahead of Game 2 in Tampa

Leave a reply

The Bruins hope to take Game 2 tonight in the same fashion they took Game 1: by dominating one of the best teams in hockey in all three zones. Heading into this series the Bruins were considered the underdog, with many expecting the Lightning to handle them. But the B’s took it right to the number one seed in the conference, playing their best game of the playoffs. Now let’s take a look at what it’s going to take for the Bruins to take a commanding 2-0 heading back to Boston.

Embed from Getty Images

The Perfection Line Must Be Perfect

En route to a 6-2 beat down of the Bolts, “the perfection line” was, well, perfect. The Marchand/Bergeron/Pastranak line reminded the Bolts why they are the best line in hockey. The Lightning’s top line of J.T. Miller, Steven Stamkos, and Nikita Kucherov gives the team an edge against just about any other line in hockey. Except for the fact that on the other end Bergeron is heading a historically good line. In Game 1, the trio combined for 11 points, torching the Bolts in all facets of the game. Marchand scored and added three assists, Bergeron potted two goals and added a helper, while Pastranak dished out four assists continuing his phenomenal start to the postseason.

This was the best way for the Bruins to play defense against J.T. Miller, Steven Stamkos, and Nikita Kucherov. The Bolts’ top line was a minus -4 with only seven shots on goal. The Bolts are going to come out with a lot of passion in Game 2, and the Bruins have to be mindful of the elite talent of Stamkos and Kucherov. Let’s see if the Lightning can find an answer to a problem no other team has been able to.

Embed from Getty Images

Tuukka Rask Must Continue to Play with Passion

It’s amazing how much can change from game to game in hockey. In Game 7, when the Bruins were down 4-3, people were calling for Tuukka Rask to never start another game for the B’s. Now less than a week later, Rask just played one of his more impressive games of the season. That’s how fine the line is when you have a goalie like Rask. He needs to be engaged into every single play fighting for every single puck. When Rask is emotionally engaged he never misses an angle and makes it look effortless.

Maybe the most promising thing from Rask was after he lost his skate blade. Rask was noticeably furious throwing his broken blade against the boards. This is exactly what we need to see from Rask: some fire and fight to his game. Do not be fooled by Game 1; Tampa can flat out score and Tuukka needs to play like an elite goaltender for the B’s to win the series.

In Game 2, the Lightning are going to come out firing on all cylinders in the first period. The Bruins are going to have to weather the storm in Tampa. Rask is going to have to be ready to be able to make some big time saves tonight. The question is which Rask is going show up: Game 7 Tuukka or Game 1 Tuukka?

Embed from Getty Images

The Bruins Must Feed Rick Nash

Throughout his career Rick Nash has been snake bit in the playoffs. Nash only put up two points in round one against Toronto. In Game 1, Nash matched his point production from the first round, scoring two goals, and was one of the best players on the ice. Nash is one of the keys to this series. Everyone knows how good the top line is, but the Bruins need their second line to be dominant. On Saturday, everyone saw why it is so important that this line produces. Now that Nash has some confidence going and has put a couple past a Vezina candidate, the B’s must continue to feed the awoken giant. Nash can tip the balance in this series. All eyes will be on him in Game 2.

In the third period Jake Debrusk showed why this Bruins team has made it this far. He took a high hit, got right back up blocked a shot. Then, he out hustled everyone on the ice to make a diving clear of the puck. Seeing Debrusk hobble back to the bench showed what this kid and this team is made of. Later in the period Debrusk was rewarded with his sixth goal of the postseason. That is what it’s going to take to win the Stanley Cup.

Stanley Cup Round 2- Bruins Meet Tampa

Leave a reply

WELCOME TO ROUND 2

TAMPA- Boy, it was a hot one Saturday afternoon. The race to clinch the Atlantic Division bounced back and forth between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning. Throughout the regular season Tampa came out and dominated, leaving very little room for any other team to overtake first place. But when it comes to the playoffs, all bets are off and regular season stats go out the window. For the Boston Bruins, they have managed to once again get into the minds of the Lightning, as they clobbered their way to a 6-2 victory.

A GOOD START

The Bruins quickly came out strong with Rick Nash scoring on a power play in the first period. Patrice Bergeron scored another goal in the second. Forward Brad Marchand looked to score what would be their third goal, however it was waved off as a cross checking penalty on David Pastrnak was called prior. This is where things got a bit wild.

BOLTS STRIKE BACK WITH A BIT OF CONTROVERSY

As the Lightning were looking to gain momentum, Tuukka Rask had some wardrobe malfunction as a skate blade came off, limiting his movement in net. As he tried to get the attention of the refs, Tampa took advantage and Mikhail Sergachev scored cutting the goal deficit by one. To say he was frustrated was putting in mildly, but the referees made the right call. The NHL public relations quickly explained the rule #9.6:

“There is no goal for referees to stop play for a broken piece of equipment, regardless of whether the equipment belongs to a goaltender or a skater. the lone exception is when referees may stop play after a goaltender has lost his helmet.”

Tuukka has a wardrobe malfunction & the Bolts capitalize 🚨 pic.twitter.com/v88IUwgyP3

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) April 28, 2018

HUSTLE AND FLOW

The Marchand-Bergeron and Pastrnak line has produced a total of 12 goals and 41 points in their last five games. Rick Nash got the Bruins on board from an assist with David Pastrnak during a power play. Forty-two seconds into the second, once again, Pastrnak found Patrice Bergeron and got the Bruins on board, making the score 2-0. However, Tampa answered back as Dan Girardi got the Lightning on board two minutes into the second. A waved-off goal by Marchand and with Pastrnak in the penalty box, the Bruins were able to kill a power play off. Rick Nash quickly scored his second goal of the game, giving the Bruins a 3-1 lead.

WHAT’S UP WITH THE REFS?

After an interesting call on Jake DeBrusk for “interference” and the Rask blade controversy in the second, Tampa were looking to close that gap. But Boston kept control of the game. The Bruins shook off the remnants of wild second period and with goals from Marchand, Bergeron, and an empty netter by DeBrusk. Boston defeated Tampa 6-2.

lick at this i mean look at this goal from Brad Marchand!

Stream the #StanleyCup Playoffs here: https://t.co/ypEzC9zVuL pic.twitter.com/W96AkobGV9

— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) April 28, 2018

SHINING IN NET

Tuukka Rask stopping a shot

After looking shaky in net in the last few games of the series, many will be looking to Tuukka Rask to have more confidence. There have been many narratives about Rask getting the start in net against Tampa. In Game 1 of this tough series, it’s easy to see that Tuukka was in the zone. He allowed only two goals throughout the game and stopped 34 shots on net. Pretty good numbers if you consider he was screened by his own defensemen and lost a blade on his left skate.

“These freaking skates nowadays, the blades come off. I was yelling at the ref for 10 seconds. He didn’t hear me. It sucks. I’m glad we won.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Tuukka Rask and Rick Nash were the stars of this game. Vasilevsky was shaky in net, but much like with Toronto, Boston will have to take it one game at a time. Rask needs to continue to shine in net. Offensively, the Bruins need to drive to the net full force and bring back that momentum when they return to Boston. The last time these two teams met was in 2011, and that series went to seven games (with Nathan Horton scoring the clinching goal at the Garden). And we all know how that year ended. This will be a tough series and will only get tougher as we head into June. Will the 2018 Boston Bruins see a repeat of what happened in 2011?

Let the best team win.

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrl88

Providence Bruins Heading to Allentown

Leave a reply

The Dunk is rocking following two intense Atlantic Division matchups this past weekend in Providence. The two games were split amongst the Providence Bruins and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Games 3 and 4 are taking place next Friday and Saturday in Allentown at the PPL Center. If the Providence Bruins continue to play the way they are plying, this is going to be a quick series. Going out to Allentown is going to bring some new challenges to the team. Not to mention the last two times the Providence Bruins played at the PPL Center, the Phantoms shut them out.

Game 1

The Providence Bruins are playing well enough to reflect a 2-0 series lead. However, as we all know, the puck does not lie. Sometimes breaks do not always go your way. Phantoms’ goalie Alex Lyon has been playing some of the best hockey of his young career. Former Boston College Eagle Ryan Fitzgerald got the game going with a late first period, power play goal. However, Lehigh Valley did not give up and quickly scored, ending the first period with a score of 1-1. Notably, Ryan Fitzgerald got the Providence Bruins going quickly again, scoring early in the second period.

Multiple penalties continued to prove costly for Providence. The Phantoms were able to score twice on a 5-3 power play, giving Lehigh Valley the 3-2 lead. No scoring occurred during the third period. Despite out shooting the Phantoms 15-2, Lyon was able to smoother up everything and secure a Game 1 victory. In the end, Lyon stoned 39 out of 41 shots. However, if the Providence Bruins keep putting shot totals like that, good things will happen. Zane McIntrye played well, stopping 21 of 24 shots. However, one weak goal seemed to make the difference. Danick Martel’s blue line shot jumped over McIntrye’s glove. How can some one blame Zane for the two power play goals?

Game 2

The Providence Bruins kept the trend of starting off strong in Game 2. This time it is Anton Blidh and Peter Cehlarik who scored quickly. Five minutes and eight seconds into the game the Providence Bruins secured a 2-0 lead. Again, the Phantoms did not going down quietly. Lehigh Valley scored twice in the second period. Both goals occurred within one minute and eleven seconds of each other. Momentum continued to swing in this series, as Jordan Szwarz scored a short-handed goal to give the Providence Bruins the 3-2 lead. Peter Cehlarik continues to light the lamp this series. The Providence Bruins went on to win this one 5-3, evening out the series.

Austin Czarnik is the unsung hero so far of this playoff matchup. Czarnik currently leads the Calder Cup Playoffs with four assists. Both he and Ryan Fitzgerald have two goals this series. Zane McIntyre mysteriously did not play in Game 2. Rumors were flying that he would be the third goalie in Toronto, but Daniel Vladar was on the practice lines. Not to mention Jordan Binnington played out of his mind in Game 2, stopping 23 of 26 shots. It is unclear who is going to be manning the pipes for Game 3. All the Providence Bruins need to do is keep playing the way they are and things will work out.

Watch the Providence Bruins preparing for their run here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqpWgEI83ZA

Follow Matt McGurn on Twitter: @MickGurn @TA_CawHawkey

Bergeron’s Case for the Selke

Leave a reply

Last Wednesday the finalists for the NHL Selke Trophy were announced and with little surprise, Patrice Bergeron was one of the three finalists. Bergeron has won the award four times and received votes for the award every year since the 2009-2010 season. Winning the award this year could cement Bergeron as the best two-way forward in NHL history, as he is now tied with Canadiens great Bob Gainey for four Selke Trophies. The Selke Trophy is given to the forward who excels in the defensive aspects of the game. Winning it this year will not be easy as the other finalists, Anze Kopitar and Sean Courturier, are having career years. All three have a strong case, but Bergeron’s is unique.

Why He Shouldn’t Win

This year Bergeron may have his weakest case to win. Due to a fractured foot, Bergeron missed a month of the season. That is a significant number of games missed as the LA Kings Anze Kopitar only missed three games, and the Flyers Sean Courturier suited up for all 82. Bergeron finished fifth in faceoff percentage, an area in which he usually ranks higher. He saw an increase in offensive zone usage and along with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak, formed one of the top lines in the NHL. That offensive dominance is reflected in his stats since he recorded 63 points in merely 64 games. Despite all this, there are still many reasons why Bergeron would be deserving.

Why He Should Win the Selke

Despite the injury, Bergeron still managed to finished in the top five in some essential categories. He had a +21 rating, which was his highest since the 2013-2014 season when he played in 80 games. Even though his face off ranking was low, compared to years past it was still impressive. He ranked higher than both his competitors and was first in shorthanded face-offs. His impact on the ice was obvious as the Bruins struggled during the month of his injury. Bergeron’s line was exceptional defensively as they didn’t give up an even strength goal until January. Despite missing 18 games, Bergeron still had a very good season and has a real shot at winning the award for the fifth time. But his competitors also have a good case.

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

His Competition

The main reason that Bergeron may not win his fifth Selke is his health. His numbers as usual were above average, but he was limited in time compared to the other finalists. Bergeron averages 80 games a season and, had he played that many, his statistics would have been different. This makes his case more compelling as what he did in shortened time was impressive. Courturier had a remarkable season offensively and posted a plus rating of 34, thirteen points higher than Bergeron. Kopitar lead all NHL forwards in overall time on ice and was part of the league’s best penalty kill unit. All of these finalists have their own case on why they should take home the award. The debates will continue as the winner won’t be announced till June, and it could end up being very close.

The Bruins Have Embarrased the Leafs so Far

Leave a reply

Heading into their first round matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs, many were expecting a competitive series. Two games in, and it’s been anything but that as the Bruins hold a 2-0 series lead. In their first two matchups, the Bruins have outscored the Leafs 12-4 at TD Garden. The Bruins emasculated the Leafs in Game 2, with Pastranak going between the legs in front of the Leafs goal. Right now, the Maple Leafs are in a tight spot heading back to Toronto its do or die for them in Game 3. But let’s take a look at some of the reasons the Bruins have embarrassed the Leafs up to this point:

Embed from Getty Images

Physicality

The Bruins have been men among boys against Toronto up to this point. Everyone knew that Toronto had issues on the back end coming into the series. But no one thought it would look this bad. The Bruins are doing whatever they want wherever they want on the ice right now, and Toronto cannot do anything about it. Backes and Nash in particular have been a problem down low for the Leafs, because they just cannot match that type of physically dominating player. We have seen this in both games, with both of them scoring a goal right on top of the blue paint. It’s getting to the point where the Leafs are shying away from contact. When they do decide to throw their weight around the Bruins have just bullied them. Mike Babcock needs to do something because right now. Toronto looks like a bunch of helpless kids out there.

Embed from Getty Images

The First Line Matchup

The Bruins’ first line has taken one of the best players in hockey in Austin Matthews, and turned him into a scoreless almost useless player. Which should tell you how good the line of Marchand/Bergeron/Pastranak has been. “I don’t know **** happens”, is how Matthews responded when asked about the Bruins first line when they put up an insane 14 points in the Bruins 7-3 massacre of the Leafs.

The Bergeron line has put up 20 points in the first two games. Pastranak has four goals, nine points, and is the youngest player in NHL history to put up six points in a playoff game. Marchand has one goal, and five assists, while Bergeron has also put up five assists. Combined they have a +18 rating heading into Toronto. If Toronto has any chance of winning this thing they need to contain the Bergeron line, or they are going home fast.

A change of venue usually has a big effect in hockey, so do not count the Leafs out quite yet. But one thing that I did not expect to see this series is that Toronto is a soft team. While the Bruins have kept doing what they have done all year: winning.

David Pastrňák Is Making It Look Easy

Leave a reply

The young Czech right wing is quickly living up to his superstar role

The Bruins knew Toronto would come out swinging after suffering a 5-1 loss last Thursday night at the Garden. As the story goes for this Boston team, the Bruins do not give up, nor will they let how they ended their regular season dictate their gameplay against a tough Maple Leafs team. The playoffs is a whole new beast and, so far, the Black and Gold have come out in full force with a quick 2-0 lead in the series. The Leafs had the Bruins’ number all season but now find themselves playing catch up. The Bruins haven’t played perfect, and there are still a few things that need to be tightened up. But boy are they having fun. And no one is having more fun than the ever-smiling David Pastrňák.

A BARGAIN FOR A HOT SUPERSTAR

Last summer there was some panic among Bruins fans as preseason was about to start with no new contract securing the 21-year-old Pastrňák. With the Bruins shaky history of letting talent go, some were calling for Sweeney and Cam Neely to move with more urgency in signing Pastrňák. But Don Sweeney wasn’t too fazed and didn’t have a timetable. A little back and forth and Sweeney finally was able to sign the young Czech to a $40 million dollar contract for six years. After a breakout year last season, “Pasta” would only get better. So far the young Czech has not disappointed. The good part? He will be a Bruin during his developing career. What he’s getting in comparison to someone like Connor McDavid (who signed a ridiculous $100 million extension and isn’t even in the playoffs this year), you’ve got to hand it to Sweeney. He did good in securing the young superstar.

A FORMIDABLE LINE

Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrňák. One of NHL’s most destructive lines. As one reporter had to remind Toronto’s Auston Matthews, that line alone has garnered 20 points in just two games. During the regular season, all three players lead the team in goals, assist and points, making them, as NBC’s Sports Boston Bruins Insider Joe Haggerty calls them, “The Perfection Line.” And for Pastrňák, Saturday’s game was nothing short of historic and record-breaking.

BY THE NUMBERS

At just age 21 years old, Pastrňák has become the youngest NHL player in history to record six points in a playoff game, surpassing Wayne Gretzky. He is the first Bruin since Phil Esposito to have three goals and six points in a playoff game. He also garnered his first playoff career hat trick along with getting nine points total so far in the playoffs. Let’s not forget that Pastrňák is still developing as a player and still feels like he’s learning a lot from his linemates. Patrice Bergeron had this to say:

“That’s what amazes me with him. There’s a lot of skilled players who are skilled when they have the puck, but when they don’t have it, they don’t necessarily want it as much as this guy”

LOOKING AHEAD

The Leafs are frustrated and as we head into Game 3 in Toronto, the Bruins will need to continue to overwhelm their opponent while exploiting their lack of defense. Speed is Toronto’s forte and if Boston can shut that down, this series will quickly be lost. Even though Boston is leading the series, it’s still too early to count out the Leafs. It’s a battle between two young teams that are technically still developing. Does Toronto still have that passion to make a comeback? After all, this is hockey and anything can happen. The hockey Gods show no mercy. But for those wearing the spoked B, rest assured our guys are hungry and they want the cup. For Pastrňák, I have a sneaky suspicion that he’s just getting started.

All Photos courtesy of NHL Bruins Website

Follow Liz Rizzo on twitter @pastagrl88

Marchand Ends Playoff Drought

Leave a reply

Starting Strong

Brad Marchand crushed the perception that he can’t perform in the playoffs with a goal and an assist in Thursday’s 5-1 win against Toronto. The performance earned him NBCSN’s first star of the game. His first goal came just five and a half minutes into the game. He caught a pass from Torey Krug, who had drawn both Toronto defenders with a charge across the blue line. With space behind the D, he pulled the puck across his body to flip a backhand over Frederik Andersen. Then, as the second period drew to a close, Marchand shook off Kasperi Kapanen with a deceptive head fake along the corner boards. This gave him space to set up David Pastrnak for a goal from the high slot, the B’s third of the night.

(Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Making His Case

Marchand came into the game amidst questions about his ability to perform in the postseason. The Canadian left winger had put up just one goal in his last 18 playoff appearances (2014-17). Additionally, he accumulated 24 penalty minutes and averaged half a point per game in the same span. And while Thursday’s points are a good start to the Cup run, Game 1 was Marchand’s 69th game of the 2017-18 campaign. He still has to prove that he can play at the same caliber in game 70, game 75, game 80, and so on. With 53 points and a +20 rating in his last 40 games, Marchand has added momentum from the regular season. There’s no guarantee that the goals will keep coming as the season drags on, but number 63 has given his critics something to think about. Marchand’s Bruins will take the ice again Saturday night at 8 pm for Game 2 against the Maple Leafs.

(Elise Amendola/Associated Press)

Playoff Preview: Boston vs. Toronto

Leave a reply

How the Regular Season Ended

The Bruins’ regular season didn’t end as many would have liked. They lost four of their last five games, including their regular season finale with first place on the line. The Bruins did not show the same dominance they had earlier in the season. This has left some wondering if they should be worried about this team with the playoffs set to begin Thursday against Toronto.

Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images

Injury Bug

As the Bruins’ season came to a close, it seemed as if everyone was battling an injury. There is a good chance the Bruins will see the return of three key players on Thursday: Rick and Riley Nash, and Sean Kuraly. With the exception of Brandon Carlo, this team will be at full strength for the first time in a while. When the Bruins acquired Rick Nash it gave them a more dangerous second and third line. With the return of these three players, the Bruins become a much deeper team. This team was a force when fully healthy. However, the second half the season saw their performance dip as many key players were injured. This forced Cassidy to juggle the lines just as everything seemed to be firing on all cylinders.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

Importance of Tuukka Rask Against Toronto

In the playoffs the play of Tuukka Rask will be key. In order for the Bruins to advance, he will need to have a dominant performance. Rask hasn’t shown that dominant form lately, as in his last three starts he’s allowed eleven goals. He now has a couple of days of rest. This playoff run could define his time in Boston. He has been heavily criticized for his play in clutch moments, and is still defined by the 2013 Stanley Cup, when the Bruins collapsed in the final two minutes of Game 6. As a result, the Bruins watched the Blackhawks celebrate a championship on their home ice.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Michael Dwyer

Last Playoff Series Between Toronto and Boston

The last time Toronto and Boston faced off in the playoffs was in the 2013- 2014 season. Bruins fans remember that season fondly as the Boston made history. Facing a three goal deficit, the B’s became the first NHL team to win a Game 7 after trailing by three goals in the third period. This series will be filed with many exciting moments. The Bruins will not want to find themselves in that position again.

Photo Credit: Brian Babineau/ Getty Images

What to Expect for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

With this team fully healthy they should put on a better performance than they have as late. When healthy they have been dangerous because of their depth and style of play. These players will be motivated, as the Bruins will be looking to advance past the first round for the first time since their magical comeback against Toronto five years ago. All season this team has had a knack for coming up big with the odds against them. It all begins Thursday, and this team will be determined to end this season with a championship.