Boston’s David Pastrnak sheds Leaf defenceman Jake Gardiner along the boards in Game 2, in which Pastrnak racked up six points.

Photo Credit: (WINSLOW TOWNSON /AP)

By: Lucas Salvatore | Check me out on Twitter @lsalvatore29

The Boston Bruins have put themselves in a position to eliminate the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night, and they might get some help as Patrice Bergeron is expected to return after missing game 4. This will be the first of 3 possible chances to eliminate the Leafs look for the Bruins to come out with killer instinct tonight in front of their home fans. The Leafs are now on the ropes and have made several line up chances with the return of Nazem Kadri, it will be interesting how he keeps his cool under pressure tonight in a hostile environment.

The Bruins will need to match the Leafs intensity but cannot keep giving the Leafs free roaming in the offensive zone. While they have defended exceptionally well holding the Leafs to the outside and protecting the house, Tuukka Rask had to be spectacular for the Bruins to come away with a win in game 4. The Bruins second line was on the verge of scoring, and they did just that last game as Jake DeBrusk put in the insurance marker.

Interesting note about Rick Nash.

 

Lineup

Things You Need To Know

  • Expect Patrice Bergeron to return tonight
  • Tommy Wingels will be out if Bergeron returns
  • Nazem Kadri returns after serving a 3 game suspension
  • Leo Komarov is not expected to play

Players To Watch

Boston 

Jake DeBrusk: after scoring a massive goal in game 4 DeBrusk is adjusting to the NHL playoffs quite nicely. He and his linemates need covert on their offensive chances considering the amount that they are generating. Jake will need to continue to drive this line forward with his hectic playing style as he looks to get Rick Nash and David Krejci going. If the Bruins are going to end this tonight, this will need to be their best line. The Bruins depth needs to be more productive and get pressure off the top line.

Tuukka Rask: Tuukka is the Bruins backbone, and while he absolutely stole game 4 for Boston the team needs to be better in front of him in game 5 as the Leafs have everything on the line and will most likely put in their best effort thus far. Look for Rask to calm things down early as the Bruins will need to tighten things up as the Leafs will provide an early push out of the gate in this one as the team that has scored first in this series has won every game.

Toronto 

Nazem Kadri: Probably the most magnified player going into this game as his first game back will not be in front of his home fans where he can hide from specific players with matchups. Kadri will be thrown into the middle of the fire as the Bruins are not going to make his night easy what so ever. If the Leafs are to win this game Kadri will need to keep focus and not lose his head like he did in game 1, he is an instrumental player, and the Leafs will depend on him to have an excellent game tonight.

William Nylander: While all the talk has been about Auston Matthews not producing Nylander has not found the back of the net so far and only has recorded 1 assists in 4 games. William will be playing away from Matthews for the first time this series and will be playing alongside Tomas Plekanec and Andreas Johnsson. His play has killed the Leafs offensively in this series, and he needs to explode now if they want to have a chance to win. But it might be too late for this Leafs forward.

BNG Predictions

Lucas Salvatore: 4-1 Boston

KG: 5-2 Boston

Max Mainville: 5-1Boston

Mike Cratty: 5-4 Boston

Garrett Haydon: 5-2 Boston