Bedard: Two iffy moves by Mike Babcock made this series a whole lot more interesting

It was all fun and games until Mike Babcock fiddled with his lineup and got the last change when the series switched to Toronto for Game 3.

That's obviously, a bit of hyperbole — it's one game, and the Bruins certainly didn't lack for chances. But there's no denying the veteran and accomplished bench captain made his presence known in this series on Monday night. As a result, we'll at least see a Game 5 after Toronto beat Boston 4-2 at the Air Canada Centre — if not more.

Not many people in Boston thought this series was coming back for the weekend. Truth be told, not many in Hogtown thought the boys in bleu would crossing the border again this hockey season.

Why would they?

The Leafs, outside of about 10 good minutes in Game 2, were completely outclassed by the Bruins, as they got outscored 12-4. Boy Wonder Auston Matthews was on a milk carton. Nazem Kadri, the team's third-leading goal scorer, was suspended through Game 4. And Leo Komarov, who is a heckuva a rat but is also heavy with the forecheck and good on the dot, was out for Game 3 with an injury.

If Babcock couldn't get his team to be competitive with close to a full boat of players, what was he going to do without two important players and a star in hiding?

Move the ghost of Tomas Plekanec (largely DOA after the 35-year-old's trade from Montreal) into Kadri's center spot next to Mitch Marner and Patrick Marleau, and insert 37-year-old former Bruin Dominic Moore — who had largely been a healthy scratch since February — into the fourth line with Andreas Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen.

Yeah, sure that will all work. Two 30-something has-beens are really going to rescue the Leafs. Might as well dust off Frank Mahovlich and Matts Sundin while you're at it. Obviously, Babcock has lost his Midas touch somewhere between Detroit and Toronto.

But wouldn't you know it? Babcock did it again.

Plekanec had, by far, his best outing as a Leaf. Plekanec was a plus-2 for his first time in Toronto (he was only a plus-1 four times in 19 previous games), had an assist but, more importantly, was the key cog in slowing down the freight train that was Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak.

"I thought Plek was outstanding, really good for us," Babcock said. "He played his best game since he's been here. Maybe just the fact he maybe didn't feel as important as he should have when he got here affected his play, but I thought he was really good and a huge factor in our win."

In Boston, because the home team can change its line last on stoppages, Bruce Cassidy was able to send out his top line against the defensively-challenged line of Matthews, William Nylander and Komarov (until he was hurt). As a result, the Bergeron line was able to do whatever they wanted — and they did (a combined 20 points in two games) — with reams of open ice to operate.

When the games shifted to Toronto, Babcock could make the final decision. And when Bergeron's group hopped the boards, out came Plekanec and Co. Suddenly, the ice was a lot smaller for the Bruins.

Bergeron's line, which was a combine plus-18 in the first two games, was a minus-7 in Game 3.

"We had some good chances, you'd like to have more," Bergeron said. "They were tight on us, and we have to battle through and be better and find ways to create a little bit more."

Said Cassidy: "(The Bergeron line) had a tougher matchup tonight. They were determined to keep them off the score sheet and they did. We're not surprised by that. They're a very good team, they're at home (and) it didn't go their way in Boston. It's well-documented they didn't defend well enough and they put an onus on that."

It wasn't just on the defensive end where Plekanec made an impact. Marleau scored his first two goals of the series, and Marner (two assists) seemed to finally get loose and use his speed to give the Bruins problems.

"Pleky is a hell of a player," said Marner. "He's very good at shutting down the team's best players. He's done it a long time in Montreal and, I mean, I got to see it firsthand (Monday). He's always above people, he's always above the puck and when he gets it in his hands he makes smart plays. It was fun playing with him. He's very responsible with the puck and (and) at the same time, he's got a lot of offensive skill."

As for Moore, he gave the Leafs' checking line a burst of energy and thwarted some of the momentum generated by the Bruins' third line that David Backes had in the first two games.

So, yes, now we know why the Leafs won a club-record 29 games at home during the regular season. Toronto may not be able to measure up with everyone on the road. But at home, with Babcock working his magic, the Leafs have more than a fighting chance.

Komarov should return for Thursday's Game 4. When the series shifts back to Boston, Kadri will be sure to get a warm Bay State greeting in his return to lineup. And if Matthews suddenly gets a head of steam ... things suddenly got a lot more interesting.

Thanks to Babcock.