The Toronto Maple Leafs have returned to the playoffs for the first time in about a billion years (or at least it must feel that way to Leafs fans). Are they going to be able to hang with the Bruins, or was simply making it to the postseason the height of their success this season?
Bruins vs. Maple Leafs Game 1 Update: Toronto scores early, Redden strikes back
A power-play goal minutes into the game gave Toronto the edge early against Boston, but the Bruins took control and took the lead before the end of the first.
It looked good early for the Leafs, as Toronto went on the power play less than two minutes into the game after Patrice Bergeron headed to the box for tripping. This early mistake led to an early goal for the Leafs, as James van Riemsdyk scored just 1:54 into the contest. This was van Riemsdyk's 12th career playoff goal -- all the rest of them came during his career with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Bruins took control of the game as the period continued, getting the majority of the shots and chances, and eventually a goal from Wade Redden, of all people. Redden hadn't scored a goal in the playoffs since 2007. He celebrated the end to his cold streak with an assist on Boston's second goal just short time later, giving the Bruins a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
Boston outshot Toronto 15-7 in the period.
Something to watch as the series goes on: the Leafs seem to be going after Zdeno Chara every chance they get, in what seems to be an obvious attempt to rattle the hulking captain of the Bruins. So far Chara hasn't taken the bait with a penalty, but if Toronto keeps it up for the rest of the series his patience will be seriously tested.
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