LIVE COVERAGE
9:39: Final: Bruins fall to the Leafs, 4-1. Toronto takes a 1-0 series lead.
9:38: John Tavares with the empty netter. 4-1.
9:37: Bruins call a timeout with 1:24 left.
9:34: Empty net for Boston.
9:34: Bruins have made things waaaaaaaaaay too easy for the Leafs tonight.
9:27: Chara out of the box.
9:23: Chara heads off for interference. 8:15 left in the game.
9:18: Another easy zone entry for the Leafs, and Matthews is left alone in the crease. B's really look off.
9:12: Best shift from the Bergeron line in a long, long time.
9:08: Jake DeBrusk has taken a beating tonight.
9:01: Third period underway.
8:59: Well, at least Coyle is playing well?
One of the few bright spots tonight: Charlie Coyle has been a monster tonight, especially in the O zone. pic.twitter.com/eqEavOOPGj
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) April 12, 2019
Methinks the Bruins might want to try to fire in a few more shots from the slot during 5v5 play. pic.twitter.com/fX9Z89r6mg
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) April 11, 2019
Playoff hockey is back in Boston. pic.twitter.com/pVucafHl7H
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) April 11, 2019
- Bruce Cassidy has noted for most of the week that the Bruins are planning on rolling out their fastest lineup available to combat the Leafs’ high-powered offense — and he made good on that decree when unveiling his pairings and forward trios on Thursday. Speedy winger Karson Kuhlman will remain on David Krejci’s line, while Boston’s third line will feature a reworked combination of Charlie Coyle, Marcus Johansson and Danton Heinen. On the blue line, Connor Clifton will make his postseason debut and skate on Boston’s third D pairing with Matt Grzelcyk. As a result, veteran forward David Backes will sit, while Steven Kampfer will also be out. Clifton has only appeared in 19 games this season, but he could make a sizable impact over the next couple of weeks.
- On the injury front, Cassidy noted earlier this week that John Moore is the closest to a return among injured Bruins, while Sean Kuraly joined him on Wednesday ahead of B’s practice to work on some skating. Both could return if the series carried over into Games 5-7. Kevan Miller has not resumed skating since injuring his leg last Thursday against the Wild, and his availability for this series seems to be in question.
- Both Tuukka Rask and Frederik Andersen will have plenty to prove in this first-round rematch. Rask and Andersen posted save percentages of .899 and .896, respectively, during last year’s matchup.
- Here’s a look at eight key matchups that could decide this anticipated bout between Original Six clubs.