The fact that the Boston Bruins are advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs may have seemed unlikely to many at the start of the 2017-18 season. Well, it's a reality after the Bruins dismissed the Toronto Maple Leafs 7-4 in Game 7 of the first round Wednesday night at TD Garden. The Bruins will face the Tampa Bay Lightning next, beginning with Game 1 on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
"Well, it's going to be a battle," said Brad Marchand. "They were a top team all year. They compete very hard, have a ton of skill and they have a lot of depth. We'll look at them a little bit more in the next few days, but we're going to enjoy this one tonight."
Everything else you need to know from the Bruins' win in quickie form and with BSJ insight and analysis.
HEADLINES
Youth shall prevail: Prior to this series, many wondered how the rookie class would fare in its first Stanley Cup playoff experience. There were jitters and it took a little bit of time for the young players to settle in. No doubt they saved their best for the most opportune time. Jake DeBrusk played his best game of the season and produced a pair of goals, including the game-winning tally at 5:25 of the third period. He has five goals and two assists for seven points already this postseason. It also helped that Danton Heinen, who was a healthy scratch in Game 6 responded with his first goal of the playoffs to tie the game at 2-2 at 9:10 of the first period.
JAKE DEBRUSK AGAIN! THE BRUINS HAVE STORMED BACK TO TAKE THE LEAD!#TMLTalk 4 - 5 #NHLBruins
(#BOSvsTOR Series Tied At 3)#Game7 pic.twitter.com/lcum5dkOUb
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) April 26, 2018
DAVID PASTRNAK WITH A BEAUTY! THE BRUINS LEAD BY 2!#TMLTalk 4 - 6 #NHLBruins
(#BOSvsTOR Series Tied At 3)#Game7 pic.twitter.com/ugwYpfd2Vx
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) April 26, 2018
TOREY KRUG HAMMERS HOME AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY ON THE ONE-TIMER AND THE BRUINS TIE IT BACK UP!#TMLTalk 4 - 4 #NHLBruins
(#BOSvTOR - Series Tied At 3) #Game7 pic.twitter.com/rjg9oRwEqI
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) April 26, 2018
DANTON HEINEN FIRES HOME THE RICK NASH BETWEEN-THE-LEGS CENTERING FEED! THIS GAME IS TIED AGAIN!#TMLTalk 2 - 2 #NHLBruins
(#BOSvTOR - Series Tied At 3) #Game7 pic.twitter.com/8YcNfrP60w
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) April 26, 2018
PATRICE BERGERON SHOWS OFF HIS HANDS AND TUCKS HOME THE CRAZY CAROM TO GIVE THE BRUINS A LEAD LATE IN THE FIRST!#TMLTalk 2 - 3 #NHLBruins
(#BOSvTOR - Series Tied At 3) #Game7 pic.twitter.com/gmSslf2Hrz
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) April 26, 2018
