Disastrous Final Period Dooms Boston in Toronto
The Boston Bruins’ struggles continued on Saturday night as they lost 5-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, extending their losing streak to four games and leveling the series at 1-1.
A Devastating Third Period
The Bruins controlled the first two periods, taking a 2-0 lead into the third. However, the Maple Leafs exploded for five consecutive goals in the final frame to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Ilya Mikheyev started the onslaught with a power-play goal at 3:44, followed by William Nylander’s equalizer at 9:30. Auston Matthews put the Leafs ahead for good with a backhand goal at 12:27.
David Kämpf and Calle Järnkrok added insurance markers to seal the victory, sending the Bruins back to Boston with a sour taste in their mouths.
Missed Opportunities Haunt Bruins
The Bruins had numerous chances to extend their lead in the third period but squandered their opportunities. David Pastrnak hit the post twice, while Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand failed to convert several prime chances.
We had some really good looks in the third period that we didn’t capitalize on, said Bruins coach Jim Montgomery. That’s the difference in the game.
Maple Leafs Show Resilience
The Maple Leafs showed great resilience in overcoming a two-goal deficit. They controlled the puck possession and generated more high-danger scoring chances in the third period.
We stuck with it, said Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe. We didn’t get discouraged. We knew we had it in us.
Series Shifts to Boston
The series now shifts to Boston for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Wednesday. The Bruins will need to find a way to regain their composure and capitalize on their opportunities if they want to avoid falling behind 2-1.
What’s Next?
Game 3 of the series between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs will be played on Monday, May 1, at TD Garden in Boston.
Kind regards R. Bauer.
