Game Day Preview: Bruins-Maple Leafs Game 2
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Even with the 5-1 final, the Bruins and Maple Leafs delivered with early acts of drama in Game 1. So what will Game 2 have in store?
For starters, the Bruins will be without Tommy Wingels after leaving in the third period Thursday night following Nazem Kadri’s game-misconduct. The Leafs will be without their talented, but enigmatic winger for the next three games, while Wingels is a game-time decision for Game 2.
Leafs coach Mike Babcock is forced to shuffle his lineup without Kadri. Bruce Cassidy will have to do the same with Wingels as Ryan Donato will make his playoff debut. The rookie will skate on the third line with David Backes and Noel Acciari, while Danton Heinen moves to Wingels’ spot on the fourth line with Tim Schaller and Sean Kuraly.
The aftermath of Kadri’s three-game ban is just one of the storylines entering Game 2 of this first round clash between two Original Six franchises.
Bruins fans: are you heading over to TD Garden for Game 2 of Bruins-Maple Leafs and are in need of affordable parking? Then head over Constitution Wharf (1 Constitution Rd.) — a short walk to and from the Garden — and avoid the traffic and construction on Causeway St. Mention Bruins Daily at the entrance for a prepaid rate of $12 — $3 less than the usual game night price!
Gametime: 8 p.m.
TV/Radio: NBC/98.5 The Sports Hub
Series: Bruins lead 1-0
Location: TD Garden
Bruins projected lines
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk-David Krejci-Rick Nash
Ryan Donato-Noel Acciari-David Backes
Tim Schaller-Sean Kuraly-Danton Heinen
Zdeno Chara-Charlie McAvoy
Torey Krug-Kevan Miller
Matt Grzelcyk-Adam McQuaid
Tuukka Rask
Anton Khudobin
Maple Leafs projected lines
Leo Komarov-Auston Matthews-William Nylander
Zach Hyman-Patrick Marleau-Mitch Marner
James van Riemsdyk-Tyler Bozak-Connor Brown
Andreas Johansson-Tomas Plekanec-Kasperi Kapanen
Morgan Reilly-Ron Hainsey
Jake Gardiner-Nikita Zaitsev
Travis Dermott-Roman Polak
Frederik Andersen
Curtis McElhinney
Bruins-Maple Leafs Game 2 storylines
📹 Brad Marchand on his kiss cam moment with Leo Komarov "Now they all know that I have bad breath" #WBZ #NHLBruins #StanleyCupPlayoff @Bmarch63 @HackswithHaggs @MentosUS pic.twitter.com/3RGBHSQWtm
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) April 14, 2018
– While Kadri’s edgy persona got the worst of him, Brad Marchand was able to keep his emotions in check in Game 1. Not only did the three-time 30-goal scorer net a goal and an assist, but he also stayed composed as the Leafs kept trying to get under his skin. Oh, and there was that kiss, or lick, or whatever you want to call it in his exchange with Leo Komarov — again — who is slated for first line minutes in Game 2 with Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Yep, it’s safe to say that Komarov and Marchand will exchange a few pleasantries again in Game 2.
– Even with Donato returning, the former Harvard star may have a reduced role in Game 2. Not only would he be getting bottom-six minutes, but he may not see some power play time as well thanks to the Bruins’ 3-for-5 showing in Game 1. The opportunities may be few and far between for Donato compared to the regular season, but the Bruins can use his crafty playmaking and versatility when needed.