Game. Seven.
Perhaps the two most anxiety-inducing words in sports. At least for fans of the participating teams. And on Wednesday, we will witness the first game seven of the 2018 playoffs as the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs close out the first round with a do-or-die matchup in Boston. The winner will meet idle Tampa Bay who closed out their own first-round series several days ago.
The Bruins jumped out to a 3-1 series lead. Thanks in part to two dominating performances on home ice to start the series. However, that offensive outburst is a distant memory for the Black-and-Gold as they have been unable to solve Leafs netminder, Frederick Andersen, with any regularity for the last three games. Andersen has been by far the Leafs best player, especially in the past two games where he essentially stole two victories for the Leafs. Both elimination games. Now, Boston faces the same fate if they can’t win in their third and final try.
Latest NHL News
- Bruins Re-Sign David Krejci To One-Year Deal Worth $1 Million
- NHL Rumors: Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks
- Jonathan Huberdeau Commits to Calgary Flames Long Term
- The Most Pressured Men in Maple Leafs Land This Season
- Clearing Cap Space: Trade Options For The Avalanche To Re-Sign Kadri
By The Numbers:
Boston Bruins:
Game Seven Record: 13-12 (12-8 at home)
Goals Leader: David Pastrnak (4)
Assists Leader: Pastrnak (7), Torey Krug (7)
TOI Leader: Zdeno Chara (22:35)
Tuukka Rask: 3-3, 2.74 GAA, .907 SV%
Toronto Maple Leafs:
Game Seven Record: 12-10 (5-9 on the road)
Goals Leader: James van Riemsdyk (3)
Assists Leader: Mitch Marner (6)
TOI Leader: Jake Gardiner (22:26)
Frederick Andersen: 3-3, 3.30 GAA, .909 SV%
What to Watch For: Boston Bruins
Even before this grueling series, these teams were no strangers. On top of being division rivals for many years, this exact scenario played out five years prior in the playoffs. The Bruins jumped out to a 3-1 series lead but the Maple Leafs battled back to force game seven in Boston. Sound familiar? The Leafs build a big lead early in that game only to watch it vanish in an instant late in regulation. Bruins center, Patrice Bergeron, ended things less than a third of the way through the first overtime.
It goes without saying that the Bruins would prefer to not have to go through all that trouble to win game seven this time around. They would rather jump on Andersen early. Similiar to the way they did in game two at the Garden. But that is much easier said than done as Andersen has been nearly unbeatable. Far from the goalie that got chased in game two. Could shuffle in lines happen? Perhaps. Bruce Cassidy is never shy when it comes to making roster changes. However, I would pump the brakes on Donato getting the nod.
The likely scenario would see a continued shuffling of the second and third line that has underwhelmed. Albeit not without their chances. Rick Nash has been good. Not great. He has created chances for himself and others and has played well defensively, especially in his own end. However, finding the back of the net is the real problem. And that doesn’t go just for Nash. This is a team-wide issue. One that could ultimately sink the Bruins promising season.
Keys to Victory: Boston Bruins
- Finish. It is very simple. The Bruins need to find ways to convert the bevy of scoring chances they have had over the course of the last two games. If they can’t do that then it will just be much of the same.
- Avoid the bad mistakes. Yes, this is an obvious one. However, the Bruins seem to always make the mistake at the most inopportune times and the Leafs have converted nearly every time. Examples of that in game six are the Brad Marchand giveaway and the miscommunication between Rask and the defender which led to the first goal.
- Relax. It is easy to forget who you are as a team in situations like these. The Bruins are the better team and they must remember that. It is impossible to forget the struggles of the past two games but they can’t be at the forefront when the puck drops on Sunday. The Bruins need to ignore the noise and focus on the task at hand… winning one hockey game.
What to Watch For: Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs come cruising into Boston with the momentum clearly on their side. However, that grasp is tenuous at best because of their reliance on Frederick Andersen in many situations. In fairness, the Leafs have done an unbelievable job in their own end blocking and disrupting shots. However, the Bruins have controlled the majority of play throughout the past two games with Andersen being the only thing they haven’t quite figured out yet.
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contracts
by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Having a hot goaltender is the ultimate equalizer in the playoffs. A goalie is the only player on the ice that can single-handedly control a series despite what the stats tell you. As evident by the last two games of this series. However, it’s a dangerous way to live by when their offense hasn’t quite been a dominant force. Auston Matthews (one goal, one assist) has been quiet for his standards thus far in the series. Both goals for Leafs prior to the empty net clincher in game six were direct results of sloppy play by the Bruins in their own end. The Leafs were able to sustain some pressure late in the game but have yet to play that well consistently for 60 minutes.
Toronto enters the game with the ultimate advantage…the play of Frederick Andersen. If he plays the way he did in game’s six and seven, the Bruins will be hitting the golf course on Thursday. However, if his play slips just a bit or the next attempt at a paddle save fails, the Bruins could pounce. Therefore, in order for the Leafs to survive this, they must be aggressive and attack offensively. They can’t sit back and rely on Andersen yet again because eventually, this Bruins team will break through.
Keys to Victory: Toronto Maple Leafs
- Auston Matthews. Matthews has had moments in this series where he has shown why he is already one of the best players in the league. However, for much of the series he has been stymied by the Bruins. Evident by his two points (one goal, one assist) and a plus/minus of -5. That has to change for the Maple Leafs who should expect the Bruins best game of the series. Matthews will have to counter the Bruins attack.
- Avoid dumb penalties. Nazem Kadri’s slash in the offensive zone during game six was a terrible play on his part as it came at a crucial time in the contest with the Leafs season on the line. Fortunately for him, Frederick Andersen had his back and the Bruins were kept off the board. However, with one game to decide who moves on, all it takes is for one undisciplined play to swing the momentum. The Bruins powerplay was deadly during the first two games in Boston. The Leafs can’t tempt fate in Boston this time around.
- Frederick Andersen. Andersen must keep up his hot streak from the past two games where he undeniable won the each for the Leafs. Without Andersen, this series would have likely ended last week. If his play slips, this game could get ugly. Andersen has been the Leafs MVP this series and they will need him to play that way one more time in Boston.
Who wins Game 7 on Wednesday between the #NHLBruins and #TMLTalk ? #FPC #NHL #StanleyCup
— Full Press NHL (@FPC_NHL) April 25, 2018
– Ian Glendon is the Editor-In-Chief of Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @iglen31 Follow @FPC_Patriots and Facebook.
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 117: Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Former Chiefs VP of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 244: Auction Draft Strategyby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
Ep 243: TE Tiers TE 2022by Full Press Coverage on August 4, 2022 at 1:32 pm
-
Ep 242: WR Tiers Part 2by Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 7:39 pm
-
Ep 241: WR Tiers 2022 Part 1by Full Press Coverage on July 28, 2022 at 1:50 pm
-
Tyreek Hill vs. Davante Adams: Who Has The Better Season?by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:48 am
From Full Press NFL Weekly, Ian Glendon, Braden Holecek, and Kyle Senra […]
-
Julio Jones Signs in Tampa Bayby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Ian and John discuss Julio Jones joining Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Learn […]
-
Juan Soto Wins Home Run Derby; Is It Worth Watching?by Full Press Coverage on July 19, 2022 at 1:10 pm
From FPC Radio LIVE, Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti react to Juan Soto's […]
-
Jimmy Garoppolo To Tampa Bay? Not so Fastby Full Press Coverage on July 11, 2022 at 1:09 pm
From FPC Radio LIVE, Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti discuss the latest […]
-
Tom Brady Turns 45; Is He Still The Face Of The NFL?by Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 9:49 pm
Ian and John discuss Tom Brady on his 45th birthday and ask the […]
-
8/3 - Vin Scully, Tom Brady, Stephen Ross and the Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of Vin Scully, Tom Brady's birthday, and […]
-
Bill Russell Passes Away At 88by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 3:16 pm
Ian and John react to the passing of Celtics' legend, Bill Russell.
-
8/1 - Bill Russell Passes Away; Deshaun Watson Suspendedby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 1:59 pm
Ian and John discuss the passing of Celtics' legend Bill Russell and the […]
-
7/29 - Kyler Murray, Julio Jones to Tampa, D.K. Metcalf Extensionby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Ian and John discuss the Kyler Murray extension, Julio Jones signing in […]
-
Is An Eight-Game Suspension Too Light For Deshaun Watsonby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Ian and John discuss the rumored 8-game suspension for Browns quarterback, […]
-
7/22 - Kyler Murray Contract, Watson Suspension, Top 5 NFC Teamsby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Ian and John react to the Kyler Murray contract, the impending Deshaun […]
-
7/20 - Charles Barkley, Pre Game Shows, Top 5 AFC Teamsby Full Press Coverage on July 20, 2022 at 1:23 pm
Ian and John discuss the rumors of Charles Barkley joining LIV Golf, the […]
-
Ep 39: Quarterback Contracts, Hill vs Adams, Top 5 QB Contractsby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 12:36 am
Ian, Braden, and Kyle discuss the new quarterback contracts, Tyreek Hill […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 193 "Summer Slam Review"by Boot 2 The Face on August 8, 2022 at 10:05 am
Marty and Rucker return to talk the sights and sounds of Nashville for WWE […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 191 "Summer Slam Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on July 28, 2022 at 12:31 am
Rucker is joined by Angel and Timmy C of Filter Free Popcast who you can […]
-
Ep. 17: 2022 Penn State Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
(Seasons 2.2) Commanders Camp Week 3: Roundtable discussion w/ Street Scores Rico and Felix Trammellby Full Press Coverage on August 9, 2022 at 12:41 am
-
Ep. 16: 2022 Auburn Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on August 8, 2022 at 5:00 am
-
Ep 140: Training Camp Part 2by Full Press Coverage on August 7, 2022 at 7:36 pm
-
Ep 244: Auction Draft Strategyby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 4:20 pm
-
Ep 125: Mabel/Visceraby Full Press Coverage on August 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Ep. 196 - Bill Russell: Real Life Superheroby Full Press Coverage on August 4, 2022 at 9:32 pm
-
Ep 243: TE Tiers TE 2022by Full Press Coverage on August 4, 2022 at 1:32 pm
-
Tom Brady Turns 45; Is He Still The Face Of The NFL?by Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 9:49 pm
-
8/3 - Vin Scully, Tom Brady, Stephen Ross and the Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on August 3, 2022 at 1:20 pm
-
Bill Russell Passes Away At 88by Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 3:16 pm
-
8/1 - Bill Russell Passes Away; Deshaun Watson Suspendedby Full Press Coverage on August 1, 2022 at 1:59 pm
-
7/29 - Kyler Murray, Julio Jones to Tampa, D.K. Metcalf Extensionby Full Press Coverage on July 29, 2022 at 2:04 pm
-
Is An Eight-Game Suspension Too Light For Deshaun Watsonby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 4:29 pm
-
7/22 - Kyler Murray Contract, Watson Suspension, Top 5 NFC Teamsby Full Press Coverage on July 22, 2022 at 12:50 pm
-
7/20 - Charles Barkley, Pre Game Shows, Top 5 AFC Teamsby Full Press Coverage on July 20, 2022 at 1:23 pm
-
7/19 - Lakers, MLB Home Run Derby, Gronks Future, And Moreby Full Press Coverage on July 19, 2022 at 1:07 pm
-
7/11 - Celebrity Deaths; Jimmy Garoppolo Rumorby Full Press Coverage on July 11, 2022 at 1:07 pm