Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand believes the Toronto Maple Leafs have become the team's biggest rival, surpassing the Montreal Canadiens, as they are set to face each other in the Stanley Cup playoffs on April 20 for the third time in seven years.

By the Numbers
  • Boston defeated Toronto in all four meetings during the 2023-24 NHL regular season.
  • This upcoming playoff series will be the fourth time in the past 11 years that Boston and Toronto have met in the playoffs.
Yes, But

The Bruins, despite their regular-season success over Toronto, acknowledge the Maple Leafs' offensive capabilities and are not underestimating them heading into the playoffs.

State of Play
  • Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle emphasize the competitive challenge presented by the Maple Leafs in the upcoming playoff series.
  • Boston has historically dominated Toronto in playoff matchups, winning all four previous series, but recognizes the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey.
What's Next

As the Bruins gear up to face the Maple Leafs in the playoffs, the focus will be on maintaining their competitive edge and not underestimating their formidable opponents.

Bottom Line

Despite their past successes against Toronto, the Bruins are preparing for a challenging playoff series, highlighting the intensity and unpredictability of playoff hockey matchups.