Regressing Boston Bruins take on the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs – NHL Preview
When the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs are just round the corner, it is indeed alarming to see the defending Stanley Cup Champions, Boston Bruins, regressing at a noticeable pace.
Their playoff chances are still very much alive, but their recent form might hinder their progress in the postseason.
Bruins have lately lost games on their home ice as well as on road so changing venues is also not helping their cause.
In such a scenario, a visit to Toronto might serve their interest as they have won all the encounters against Maple Leafs this season.
Both these teams will play against each other on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Let’s have a look at both the teams.
Bruins
Bruins have lost four of their last six games and are presently on a two-game losing streak with the recent defeats coming against New York Islanders (3-2) and New York Rangers (4-3).
Bruins went neck and neck with Rangers for most part of the game, but just could not get past them.
However, Bruins’ left wing, Milan Lucic, saw the positive side of the picture. He said of the game against Rangers:
"Other than the result, we have a lot to be happy about.”
He added:
“We had everyone going. It was the best effort that we've had in a long time. We need to keep our heads high and remember the things here that gave the scoring chances and the momentum."
Bruins are ranked at second spot in the Eastern Conference with 79 points after 64 games.
Leafs
Leafs have badly hurt their playoff chances after displaying a pathetic game-play last month.
The slump eventually led to the dismissal of coach, Ron Wilson, who was replaced by Randy Carlyle.
Leafs had lost six straight games before Carlyle took charge and thankfully for the new coach, the team managed to beat Montreal Canadiens to end the skid.
Carlyle said after the game:
"It's obviously a nice way to start. I thought our team put out an effort.”
He added:
“I asked them to skate and not worry about anything but what our focus was, which was to win the game. We stayed with our game plan."
Leafs are ranked at 12th spot in the Eastern Conference with 67 points after 65 games and are five points behind the eighth ranked Winnipeg Jets.
Predictions
Bruins might win the game.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
If Leafs win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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