Stefan Hoogerbrugge
02/02/2013
Boston Bruins (5-1-1) at Toronto Maple Leafs (4-3-0)

Arena: Air Canada Center

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM

TV: CBC Radio: TSN 1050

Last Season: (0-6-0)

When the Leafs are scheduled to play the Bruins, numerous fans are likely to just go out and do something else other than watch the game, particularly following last year’s contests between the two clubs. Lets be honest, enduring the Beantown beatdown has become a regular thing for Leafs fans and if they want to prove they belong in the East, they have to conquer this demon. I think under Carlyle’s new, tougher system, we are more matched to play against the big bad Bruins, and it should be an intense game, with numerous story lines at play.

Key Storylines:

Matching the Intensity: 

It’s Hockey Night in Canada, and you are playing the Bruins. That should be ample reason to get your game in gear and not be the push over we’ve become against the Black and Gold. The Leafs are playing their second home game of this 3 game home stand and are looking for their third straight win. Look for the big boys to set the tempo physically and for the Leafs skilled players to use that intensity to create some chances.

Time for the Kessel show: 

It is time for Kessel to burst out with a big performance, and why not against the team he has struggled against the most? Teams he usually feasts on haven’t resulted in him scoring, so maybe playing a team he usually struggles against will change the tide. He is too good to go much longer without scoring. Oddly enough there’s a Bruins phenom who’s looking to break out as well; none other than Tyler Seguin. This will also be Leafs fans first look at Dougie Hamilton, the infamous other first round selection of the Bruins courtesy of the Leafs. 

Taking advantage of the Powerplay:

The Leafs got away with an abysmal 1-8 performance on the PP against Washington, but you can bet they won’t be able to do that against Boston and win. When the Leafs get a man advantage, they have to capitalize on it. Get the puck to the point, put bodies in front, and let it go! Conversely, a solid Reimer when Boston has the PP will be crucial. 

Check out the postgame shortly after the game is completed.

@theHooger

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