This was probably predestined. In their first trip back to the postseason since 2004 -- yes, that's before the 2004-05 NHL lockout, before Sidney Crosby was in the NHL, etc. -- the Toronto Maple Leafs will be led into the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Phil Kessel's old team, the Boston Bruins.
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs schedule: Kessel Bowl 2013 begins Wednesday
The Leafs will travel to Boston for their first playoff game since 2004 when they open the Eastern Quarterfinals against the Bruins on Wednesday.
The B's were all set to win the Northeast Division and avoid this matchup, but thanks to the Senators win over them in the season finale, the No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup will begin at TD Garden on Wed., May 1. It might not be as emotional as a Leafs vs. Canadiens series would have been, but it surely won't disappoint.
Here’s the series schedule:
| Game | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Game 1 | Wed, May 1 | Maple Leafs at Bruins | 7 p.m. | CNBC, CBC, RDS |
| Game 2 | Sat, May 4 | Maple Leafs at Bruins | 7 p.m. | CNBC, CBC, RDS |
| Game 3 | Mon, May 6 | Bruins at Maple Leafs | 7 p.m. | NHL Net, CBC, RDS |
| Game 4 | Wed, May 8 | Bruins at Maple Leafs | 7 p.m. | NHL Net, CBC, RDS |
| Game 5* | Fri, May 10 | Maple Leafs at Bruins | 7 p.m. | CBC, RDS |
| Game 6* | Sun, May 12 | Bruins at Maple Leafs | TBD | CBC, RDS |
| Game 7* | Mon, May 13 | Maple Leafs at Bruins | TBD | CBC, RDS |
For the Leafs side of things, stick with Pension Plan Puppets, and for the Boston perspective, head over to Stanley Cup of Chowder.
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