The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup Playoff run started with a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins, continuing their history of postseason struggles against the Bruins, highlighted by several heartbreaking Game 7 losses at TD Garden.
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup Playoff journey kicked off with a bang—or, more accurately, a thud. This past Saturday, they faced a brutal 5-1 defeat against the Boston Bruins, away from home. Ouch.
Meanwhile, a fan, thousands of miles away, captured the mood perfectly. During a Toronto Blue Jays game against the San Diego Padres, the cameras zoomed in on a spectator. This person was hastily covering their Leafs jersey with a baseball shirt. Talk about hiding your colors!
The Leafs and Bruins, both steeped in history, have clashed countless times. Their rivalry dates back to the Original Six. But lately? It’s been pretty one-sided, with the Bruins dominating.
TD Garden, the Bruins’ lair, has turned into a nightmare venue for the Leafs. Since 2013, Toronto’s record there during playoff time is a less-than-stellar 6-7. And, boy, have there been some heartbreakers.
Remember 2013? Patrice Bergeron snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with an OT goal in Game 7. Fast forward to 2018, and it’s déjà vu. Another Game 7, another loss for Toronto, this time blowing a 4-3 lead by giving up four straight goals in the third period. And let’s not even start on 2019. Another first-round exit, another Game 7 loss in Boston, 5-1.
Despite all this, there’s still hope for the Maple Leafs. But, if Game 1 against the Bruins is anything to go by, breaking the cycle might be tougher than expected this year.
