Redemption.

Well, sort of. The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t had much success against the Boston Bruins the last two playoff series in 2013 and 2018, as the Bruins won both of those series, both in seven games with Game 7 being in Boston both times. In 2013, there was the terrible 4-1 blown lead by the Leafs, and last year they were embarrassed in a 7-4 loss in Game 7 in Boston.

But, it was a different story on Thursday night as the Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 4-1 at TD Garden in Boston in Game 1. In the last two series, Boston had won Game 1 at home, but not this time.

Mitch Marner led the way with two goals, one on a penalty shot, with William Nylander also scoring on a breakaway in the second period. John Tavares added an empty-net goal in the third to seal the deal for the Maple Leafs.

Toronto’s goalie Frederik Andersen played well, stopping 32 of 33 shots to get the Leafs a much-needed Game 1 win.

The Leafs were facing a lot of adversity heading into this series because of the recent playoff history between these two teams. Even though the last two series went the distance, Boston just always seemed to get the better of Toronto.

The Leafs haven’t won Game 1 of a playoff series since 2003.  Now, they will have a 1-1 series tie at worst when they return home for Game 3 next week.

The Leafs lead the series 1-0. Game 2 goes Saturday night in Boston.

Sources:

-All stats/info courtesy of NHL.com