The Toronto Maple Leafs head back to TD Garden for the first time since their heartbreaking Game 7 overtime playoff loss against the Boston Bruins last May. In tonight’s Hockey Night in Canada rivalry matchup, both teams are eager to rebound from their sluggish starts to the season, with the puck dropping at 7:00 p.m. EST, available for viewing on Sportsnet and CBC.
In an effort to turn around their recent fortunes after a disappointing 5-1 defeat to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, the Maple Leafs are set to implement three significant changes to their lineup. Veteran forward Max Pacioretty is back from injury and will take over for Pontus Holmberg. Additionally, towering defenseman Philippe Myers, standing at 6’6”, is poised to make his season debut with the Leafs, replacing Conor Timmins on the blue line. In goal, Anthony Stolarz is expected to return, bringing new energy to the crease.
It’s also anticipated that the Leafs will maintain the defensive pairing of Morgan Rielly and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who logged many minutes together during Thursday’s game against St. Louis. This combination is designed to accentuate the team’s offensive capabilities, providing a dynamic duo alongside their top forwards, while the other defensive pairings—Jake McCabe with Chris Tanev and Simon Benoit with Myers—will focus on shutting down opposing attacks with a straightforward, physical style.
On the Bruins’ side, head coach Jim Montgomery has mixed up his lines in a bid to ignite their offense, following a disappointing stretch of three consecutive losses wherein the team managed to score only three goals total. Young center Matthew Poitras will join the seasoned duo of Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle, who have only combined for a single goal and four assists across eight games this season. Meanwhile, Pavel Zacha will shift to the wing to join summer acquisition Elias Lindholm and goal-scoring machine David Pastrnak, aiming to generate a more effective attack.
With the pressure mounting after back-to-back disappointing losses to St. Louis and Columbus, the Leafs find themselves in dire need of a victory, especially seeking their first regular-season win in Boston since March 2022. The stakes are high as they prepare for a fierce contest against their division rival.
Game Day Quotes
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery on the differences in the Leafs‘ play under Craig Berube:
Watching the tape, you can see the identity of their head coach. It is more direct. They want to be a forechecking team. They want to put you under duress to cause turnovers to cause scoring chances. That is Chief.
Craig Berube on Philippe Myers making his season/Leafs debut:
He came into camp and earned a spot. He played physical. He was good on the penalty kill. He defended very well back there. He is a big guy. It is a simple game, but he is hard to play against. He killed well for us in preseason.
Berube on the challenge at hand tonight:
It will be a hard game, for sure. They will come out hard, as they always do. They are a very good team, and there is a lot of history between these two teams. I expect a hard game from both teams.
Ryan Reaves on the team’s mindset heading into a Saturday night in Boston coming off two tough losses this week:
We feel good. We had a good practice on Friday. It is not the way we wanted to play in front of the hometown against St. Louis, Chief’s old team. It was not a great game in Columbus, either, but you’re going to have those games.
It is a good chance to go out and put a good foot forward against a division rival. It is two teams who don’t like each other. We are going to have to make sure we get up for this one.
Berube on the pulse of the team after a tough couple of games:
Their spirit is good. You correct things with video and talks, and then you work on things in practice. The spirit and energy were good in practice. The guys are ready to go tonight.
They are disappointed, too. That is the way it is. Players aren’t happy when they’re not winning or playing well. They understand that.
Montgomery on Matthew Poitras’ opportunity on Brad Marchand’s line:
He continues to make plays. We’re trying to find the right balance on lines, and it’s an opportunity for him.
He’s playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s from just outside Toronto. It’s a great opportunity.
Everybody who knows him — who has ever been associated with him since he was seven years old in hockey — is going to be watching him play against the Maple Leafs. That’s a great opportunity for him.
Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lines
Forwards
#23 Matthew Knies — #34 Auston Matthews — #16 Mitch Marner
#74 Bobby McMann — #11 Max Domi — #88 William Nylander
#67 Max Pacioretty — #91 John Tavares — #89 Nick Robertson
#18 Steven Lorentz — #64 David Kampf — #75 Ryan Reaves
Defensemen
#44 Morgan Rielly — #95 Oliver Ekman-Larsson
#22 Jake McCabe — #8 Chris Tanev
#2 Simon Benoit — #51 Philippe Myers
Goaltenders
#41 Anthony Stolarz
#60 Joseph Woll
Extras: Conor Timmins, Timothy Liljegren, Pontus Holmberg
Injured (LTIR): Calle Jarnkrok, Jani Hakanpaa, Connor Dewar, Dakota Mermis
Boston Bruins Projected Lines
Forwards
#18 Pavel Zacha — #28 Elias Lindholm — #88 David Pastrnak
#63 Brad Marchand — #13 Charlie Coyle — #51 Matthew Poitras
#11 Trent Frederic — #39 Morgan Geekie — #55 Justin Brazeau
#19 John Beecher — #47 Mark Kastelic — #45 Cole Koepke
Defensemen
#27 Hampus Lindholm — #25 Brandon Carlo
#6 Mason Lohrei — #73 Charlie McAvoy
#91 Nikita Zadorov — #52 Andrew Peeke
Goaltenders
#1 Jeremy Swayman
#70 Joonas Korpisalo
Interview with Hockey Analyst Sarah Thompson on the Upcoming Maple Leafs vs. Bruins Matchup
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading back to TD Garden for a critical matchup against the Boston Bruins. What do you think is at stake for both teams in this game?
Sarah Thompson: Thanks for having me! This game is crucial for both teams. For the Maple Leafs, after suffering two disappointing losses, they really need a win to boost their confidence and re-establish their momentum. They haven’t won in Boston since March 2022, which adds pressure. On the other hand, the Bruins are also trying to shake off a rough patch. They haven’t scored much lately, so they’re motivated to find their offensive rhythm.
Interviewer: The Maple Leafs are making some significant lineup changes, including the debut of Philippe Myers. How might these changes impact their performance tonight?
Sarah Thompson: Absolutely, lineup changes can be a game-changer. Philippe Myers brings a physical presence that could help stabilize the defense, especially paired with someone like Morgan Rielly. They need to capitalize on their offensive potential while ensuring their defensive structure is firm. The return of Max Pacioretty adds experience and depth to their forward lineup, so I expect to see a more aggressive style of play from the Leafs tonight.
Interviewer: What can you tell us about the Bruins’ new line combinations, particularly the decision to put Matthew Poitras with Marchand and Coyle?
Sarah Thompson: That’s an interesting move by Coach Jim Montgomery. Poitras is a skilled young player, and being on a line with veterans like Marchand and Coyle could provide him with the opportunity to shine. They need to spark their offense, and this combination seems aimed at creating more chances. Marchand and Coyle’s experience might help elevate Poitras’ game and gain some much-needed momentum for the team.
Interviewer: The rivalry between the Leafs and Bruins is well-established. How do you think that history will influence tonight’s game?
Sarah Thompson: The history between these two teams adds an extra layer of intensity. Players are aware of the stakes and the rivalry, which often leads to high-energy, physical games. Emotions will run high, especially since both teams have something to prove. Expect a competitive match where individual performances can be elevated based on that fierce rivalry.
Interviewer: Lastly, as always, predictions are tough to make, but who do you think has the edge going into this game?
Sarah Thompson: Given their current struggles, it’s tough to put a finger on a clear favorite. However, if the Maple Leafs can implement their changes effectively and capitalize on their offensive opportunities, they could edge out the Bruins. That said, if the Bruins figure out their scoring issues and come out strong, they can use their home advantage to turn things around. It’s going to be an exciting matchup for sure!
Interviewer: Thank you, Sarah. It’s sure to be a game fans won’t want to miss.
Sarah Thompson: Thanks for having me! Enjoy the game!
Icit the best out of Poitras, which is crucial given the Bruins’ recent struggles to find the back of the net. It’s a strategic gamble, but it could pay off if they manage to gel together quickly.
Interviewer: With both teams facing pressure, what do you anticipate in terms of intensity and atmosphere during the game?
Sarah Thompson: I expect it to be electric. The rivalry between the Maple Leafs and the Bruins always brings out the best—and sometimes the most tense—play in both teams. With both sides under pressure to secure a win, we can likely expect a hard-fought physical game. Players from both teams will be leaving it all on the ice, especially with the history these franchises share.
Interviewer: Lastly, what will you be watching for as a key factor in determining the outcome of this game?
Sarah Thompson: I’ll be keeping a close eye on the goaltending match-up. The Leafs’ Anthony Stolarz is coming back into the rotation, and how he performs could be pivotal. For the Bruins, Jeremy Swayman needs to solidify his net after a rough patch. Both teams have potent offenses when on form, but if one goalie can outshine the other, it could very well determine the winner.
Interviewer: Thanks, Sarah! It sounds like it’s going to be an exciting night for hockey fans.
Sarah Thompson: Absolutely! Can’t wait for puck drop!
