The Toronto Maple Leafs’ chances looked dead entering Game 5 on the road in Boston. It was supposed to be the end of the ‘Core Four’ as we knew them. But the Leafs get to live on for a few more days after a Matthew Knies overtime winner. And there’s a real chance they could extend it to seven games.
For Boston, it’s the second straight year it has lost Game 5 in overtime of a first-round series after allowing a goal from someone named Matthew. It was Tkachuk, from the Florida Panthers, last year. The pressure has now flipped to the Bruins not to repeat last year’s mistakes of losing a 3-1 series lead.
The biggest winner in all of this? NHL fans who want to see a series go beyond five games.
The Washington Capitals were swept, while the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Winnipeg Jets were disposed of in five games. We were very close to seeing the Leafs and the Predators exit their series in five games on Tuesday, but both teams avoided elimination and will see a sixth game. Dallas and Vegas, too, after the Stars erased a 2-0 series deficit.
The NHL’s first round is supposed to be among the best in sports. Seeing a handful of teams go down early is a bit different from what we’re used to. But at least we’re not short on drama.
Odds are from BetMGM and update live. Buy tickets to see your favorite team on StubHub.
How to watch: 8 p.m. ET on TBS, SN
Bruins lead series 3-2
Series odds: Bruins -400, Maple Leafs +320
• Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman suffered his first loss of the playoffs in Game 5. But the loss also worsens his record to 0-3 in potential closeout games dating back to 2021. Linus Ullmark is 0-2 in closeout games, losing both Game 5 and 6 against Florida when the Bruins still had a series lead.
• The Maple Leafs return home for Game 6. If they want the series to continue, they’ll need to snap a six-game home playoff losing streak. It began in Game 5 against the Lightning last year before dropping all of their home games against Florida in the second round and losing both of their home games against Boston this season.
• Toronto has only scored more than two goals in just one of their last 12 playoff games dating back to last year’s postseason.
• Game 5 was the first time David Pastrnak didn’t pick up a point in a game against the Leafs this spring. The winger has two goals and four points in five games this postseason.
(Photo of Hampus Lindholm and John Tavares: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Tags: Maple Leafs Bruins Game expert picks odds Toronto force decisive game Boston
