After 2 years, the Bruins and Leafs renewed what was becoming an excellent rivalry before the pandemic. I don't need to go into the history but the Leafs have not been on the winning side when it counts in the playoffs.
The 1st started pretty even and the Bruins got an early PP and building off of the previous game, executed well with Hall tipping a shot from Bergeron past Cambell at the 8:37 mark to take a 1-0 lead. From there the teams traded chances in a pretty wide-open period. At the 12:21 mark with the Bruins hemmed in, an odd goal was put in the Bruins net by Tavares off his skate with Bergeron pushing Tavares into the crease dislodging the net. After a lengthy review, the call on the ice was confirmed a good goal. It seemed for some reason after that call the Bruins were on their heels and the Leafs, using their speed and transition game took control of the period for the most part.
Entering the 2nd tied on the road isn't a bad thing, but the wheels on the bus for the Bruins came off hard. The coverage was spotty at times in the 1st but in the 2nd, the missed assignments were glaring. The D made mistakes over and over, the forwards overall couldn't get much of anything going and the Leafs took full advantage. The Leafs were the better team. Then with a questionable call on Pasta for boarding, at 14:59 Matthews scored putting the Leafs up 2-1. The Bruins had a few decent rushes after that and were trying to get some energy back in their game but in a scrum in front of the Leaf's net, Brad too a penalty that should have been offsetting. With Brad in the box, at 18:54 Matthews scored his 2nd goal. The Leafs took a 3-1 lead into the 3rd.
As the 3rd started the Bruins right within the 1st minute were rewarded a PP. But the execution was horrid, much like the last 2 PP attempts. Poor passing, zero winning of pucks, and the Leafs did a good job making some adjustments to the Bruin rush. Then shortly after on another D zone-blown coverage, Tavares with his 2nd made it 4-1. The Leafs were in full command. The Bruins looked pretty much done. But then at the 8:29 mark on a solid effort from the top line, Brad found Pasta for a one-timer that got by Campbell and made it 4-2. After that, the Bruins woke up and looked like the better team. They dominated in zone time and shots but Campbell made some huge saves and the Bruins also failed to finish on plays. Then with the Ulmark pulled for an extra attacker, the leafs iced it with Marners goal at 19:17. Game, set, and you are out of here, Bruins lose to their rivals in the 1st match in two years, 5-2.
Bruins PP: What started off as promising and got them the 1st goal, let them down big time throughout this game. Down 3-1 in the 3rd and getting an early PP, could have really changed the game but they failed to generate any sustained pressure and just like the two previous ones, were completely ineffective. Grade F
Bruins PK: You can question a few calls but that stuff happens and when it does, it's incumbent on the team to lock down and defend. But they failed to do so and with a team like the Leafs with talent on the PP, mistakes will be in your net. I think Ulmark would have liked the first one from Matthews back but he is still an elite goal scorer and his shot can find the holes. Grade F
Player of the Game: This is an old story but once again Brad Marchand was the best and most consistent player on the ice all night. Was it his best game, no but he was in on both scoring plays and was visible on the ice trying to get this team back into the game.
Last Thoughts: This team is in a state of flux. The team showed once again last night after the late goal by Pasta, what it can do when it took over the game. Granted no team will ever dominate from start to finish in this league but that effort is what you want to see more of. The D had a really bad night. Blown coverage, poor communication, missed assignments, etc... Forbort, Reilly, Clifton, and Grzelcyk had really weak nights and even Carlo plus McAvoy were not on either. Plus the forwards are underperforming. Haula has 1 assist, Smith has zero points, DeBrusk just 2 goals, Coyle had one big game and has been his inconsistent self, the 4th line cannot score and even though Pasta scored last night, he still looks off and is the weak link on the top line. The fact that Brad has figured in over 50% of all the Bruins goals tells you how good he is but also is very concerning.
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