(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

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

Well, here we are after failing to close out the series twice the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs will face off for a winner take all game 7 just how it was meant to be right?

For the first time in this series, the first goal of the game did not determine the winner as the Leafs surrendered the first goal to the Bruins and then stormed back with a quick answer which led them to score the game-winner off a weak backhander by Mitch Marner, one that Tuukka Rask might have wanted back. For the Bruins to win this game, they must solve Fredrick Andersen as he was lights out once again in game 6. Boston is generating enough scoring chances to win but needs the finishing touch Wednesday if they expect to move on.

For the Bruins, many fans have been screaming for forward Ryan Donato to be inserted into the lineup, it was then confirmed by Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy that Donato would be sitting out game 7 as Danton Heinen will return after being a healthy scratch in game 6. Tommy Wingels who played most of the last game on David Krejci’s wing will also not be in the lineup for this all-important game.

Lineups

Things You Need To Know

  • The Bruins top line has recorded 0 points in the teams 3 losses
  • Leo Komarov is healthy but might not play tonight
  • David Pastrnak has not scored a goal since game 2
  • The Bruins top line had 36 scoring chances in games 5 and 6

Player To Watch

Boston

Tuukka Rask: Tuukka needs to be the number one star of this game tonight if the Bruins expect to advance. While the defense hasn’t been helping him out much over the past few games, he is being outplayed by Fredrick Andersen. This could be the final death blow for Rask if the Bruins do drop this game as many fans say this elite goalie is not good enough to win a Stanley Cup, look for Rask to be lights out tonight and prove once again why he is one of the best Bruins goalies of all time.

Jake DeBrusk: So here is a positive playoff Jake DeBrusk has been incredible the only downside is that his linemates have been very disappointing so far. Somehow Jake is still finding ways to outwork everyone on the ice while he is out there. Tonight he will need to be at his best once again as the Bruins depth has to show up or else its over. Forget about the 4th line showing up they have been excellent we are talking about the 3rd and 2nd line these guys need to get the Bruins over the hill tonight or else fans can kiss this season goodbye. Jake has been the Bruins best forward in this series his energy needs to spread across the lineup tonight.

Toronto

Mitch Marner: After scoring the game winner in game 6 Marner looks to continue his strong play in the biggest game of his young career. After showing no signs of slowing down in the highest pressure moment, Mitch will obviously not disappoint tonight. The Bruins need to tighten up and really protect the house tonight if they expect to get this electrifying forward off the board.

Tomas Plekanec: Since being moved up to one of the top 2 lines Plekanec has thrived, shutting down the Bruins number one line is not an easy task, and Tomas is doing an excellent job shutting them down in 2 of 3 games. The Bruins need to find an answer for this matchup if its either getting the Bergeron line away from him or just sticking to your guns the Bruins need to solve this and finally break through offensively. Its do or die tonight and having a veteran like Tomas is enormous for the Leafs.

BNG Predictions

Lucas Salvatore: 3-2 Boston

KG: 5-2 Toronto

Max Mainville: 4-2 Boston

Mike Cratty: 4-2 Boston

Garrett Haydon: 4-1 Boston

Mark Allred: 5-2 Boston