Bruins have the better goaltending and D.
Leafs have more offensive firepower.
This series will hinge on this: Can Pastrnak & Marchand outscore Matthews & Marner?
It better not be the hinge because I don't like those odds.
The series is going to have to hinge, IMHO, on suffocating team defense and stellar goaltending.
They're also going to have to get secondary scoring beyond David and Brad. If you're relying on two guys for your offense, you're making a losing bet. If the Leafs shut down those two, series over.
Captain Obvious also observes that Boston must exploit TO's defense and goaltending, wear them down, and make it very unpleasant for whoever is in net.
JVR & Maroon can help in this regard, as can the Geek, Frederic, Brad, Coyle and Beecher. Zacha might also prove a stealth offensive weapon.
McAvoy, Peeke,Wotherspoon and possibly Forbort better hit and disrupt early and often. I don't know what Carlo's status is. Gryz has a chance to contribute in a meaningful way against this particular opponent. Lindholm has to significantly elevate his game, which has not been the case much of the regular season. Blocked shots. A ton of them, from everyone.
A lot is going to have to go right. If the Bruins can rattle them, Toronto's questionable character will be tested.
We shall see.
