IT’S THE BIGGEST GAME OF THE YEAR FOR THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS.

Okay. It’s not, but a win would be pretty fantastic.

The Maple Leafs today sit in the second wild card spot, just one point ahead of the New York Islanders. They’re also three points back of the Boston Bruins, with one game in hand. The Maple Leafs have the opportunity to take one step closer to a divisional playoff spot, and a playoff series versus the Ottawa Senators.

A win tonight won’t cure all of what ails the Leafs, nor will it make them a lock for the playoffs. it’s not the biggest game of the season, but a win sure would be nice.

Boston Bruins @ Toronto Maple Leafs
7:30PM - Air Canada Centre
TV: TSN4 / Radio: TSN1050
SBN: Stanley Cup of Chowdah

The Boston Bruins come into the Air Canada Centre having won 4 out of their past 5 games. They scored 23 goals in those games, and the only loss was 7-4 to the Oilers on game 2 of a back to back. In contrast, the Maple Leafs are 3-1-1 in their past 5, not a bad record, but scored only 15 goals, and were blown out by the Panthers 7-2.

The Leafs let in one less goal against (14-13) thank the Bruins during that same period. Auston Matthews broke the point-less streak while Brad Marchand kept working his way into Art Ross and Hart contention, staying just behind Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid in the scoring race.

Potential Lines

Toronto (Updated from morning skate)

Zach Hyman - Auston Matthews - William Nylander
Leo Komarov - Nazem Kadri - Connor Brown
Josh Leivo - Eric Fehr - Mitchell Marner
Matt Martin - Brian Boyle - Nikita Soshnikov

Jake Gardiner - Nikita Zaitsev
Morgan Rielly - Connor Carrick
Matt Hunwick - Roman Polak

Frederik Andersen
Curtis McElhinney

Boston

Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron* - David Backes
Drew Stafford - David Krejci - David Pastrnak
Frank Vatrano - Ryan Spooner - Jimmy Hayes
Matt Beleskey - Dominic Moore - Riley Nash

Zdeno Chara - Brandon Carlo
Torey Krug - Adam McQuaid
Colin Miller - Kevan Miller

Tuuka Rask
Anton Khudobin

*Bergeron may not play due to injury. Will update when info is available.

This is a big game, not the biggest, but a big game for the Leafs. Let’s stay positive and give the boys the good vibes they need.

Go Leafs Go!

#BudsAllDay