Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins Game 7: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: TD Garden – Boston, MA.

When: Tuesday, April 23, 7PM EST

How (TV/Radio): NESN, NBC Sports, Sportsnet, CBC | FAN590, WFAN

Toronto Maple Leafs (Away)

Head Coach: Mike Babcock{All-Time 691-408-19-160 TOR, DET, MDA}

The Toronto Maple Leafs looked out of sorts by the second half of the first period of game six and they never really recovered. After taking a 1-0 lead to start the period, they failed to take advantage of any powerplays and yet allowed two first period powerplay goals by the Bruins to get by them.

The saving graces for Toronto in game six was the play of defenseman Morgan Rielly and goaltender Frederik Andersen. Reilly opened the scoring for the game with a shot from the blue line. He had six shots that game and helped set-up multiple scoring chances for his team. Andersen was flashing the glove all over the place, making save after save after save – 37 to be exact.

Goaltender Frederik Andersen, coming off that incredible 37-save performance in game six, will once again be between the pipes for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In six games this series, Andersen has a goals against average of 2.70 and a save percentage of .925.

Boston Bruins (Home)

Head Coach: Bruce Cassidy {All-Time 164-98-9-29 BOS, WSH}

The Boston Bruins had 50 shots by the time the second period came to a close in game six Friday afternoon. They head into game seven Tuesday night – a rematch of last season that saw the Bruins eliminate the Leafs in the final game of the first round.

A large criticism heading into game seven by both teams has been the quality of the ice at the TD Garden. The switching between hockey arena and NBA court has caused some players to speak out, with Boston’s own Brad Marchand leading that charge. It will be interesting to see if the outcome of game seven comes down to ice quality.

Goaltender Tuukka Rask will once again be in net for the Boston Bruins. Raks has gone 3-3 during this series against Toronto. He boasts a 2.54 goals against average in this series and his save percentage is .921.

Series recap (Series tied 3-3) Game one: 4-1 Toronto, Game two: 4-1 Boston, Game three: 3-2 Toronto, Game four: 6-4 Boston, Game five: 2-1 Boston, Game six: 4-2 Boston.

Playoff Performers

Toronto’s Auston Matthews has been the standout for the team this series. After having a disappointing first round last year, Matthews has put up five goals and one assist in six games. He has 29 shots and three powerplay points.

For Boston, the star thus far has been Brad Marchand, In six games, Marchand has four goals and five assists. Five of those points have come on the powerplay. He has 23 shots this series and is averaging slightly over 20 minutes per game.

Questions to answer

The Leafs have been eliminated in the first round by the Boston Bruins two of their last three seasons. Can they shake those demons and pull off the victory?

Was Toronto’s poor play in game six attributed to the earlier start time? Will they be back on their game with the usual 7PM EST start time?

Will the TD Garden ice quality play as big of a factor as some players fear it will?

Toronto Maple Leafs Injury Report

F Nathan Horton – IR (back)

Boston Bruins Injury Report

F Chris Wagner – day-to-day (undisclosed)

D Connor Clifton – day-to-day (upper-body)

D Kevan Miller – day-to-day (lower-body)

D Urho Vaakanainen – IR (concussion)

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins Predictions and Odds

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