Bruins Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Maple Leafs with 4-2 Win in Game 3

The Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 in Game 3 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series on Wednesday night, taking a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-seven matchup. Bruins captain Brad Marchand led the way with two goals, including the game-winner, in a three-point performance at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Marchand's physical play and agitating tactics frustrated the Maple Leafs throughout the game. Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed his displeasure with Marchand after the game, saying "He's a competitive guy. He plays hard. But he gets away with a lot of stuff, too." The Maple Leafs were unable to capitalize on their five power play opportunities in the game.

The Bruins opened the scoring in the first period on a goal by Jake DeBrusk, his third of the series. Auston Matthews tied it up for the Leafs early in the second period, but Marchand responded with his first of the night just 1:16 later to put Boston back in front. David Pastrnak extended the lead to 3-1 later in the period.

Matthews cut the deficit to 3-2 with his second goal of the game early in the third period, but Marchand sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minute. Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman made 26 saves in the win, while Leafs netminder Ilya Samsonov stopped 24 shots in the loss.

Why this matters: The Bruins now have a chance to take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a win in Game 4 on Saturday in Toronto. The Maple Leafs are facing immense pressure to avoid another early playoff exit after failing to advance past the first round in each of the past six seasons.

Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET in Toronto. If necessary, Game 5 will be played on Tuesday back in Boston. The Bruins are seeking to eliminate the Maple Leafs in the first round for the fourth time in the past 12 years, having previously done so in 2013, 2018, and 2019.

Key Takeaways

• Bruins defeat Maple Leafs 4-2 in Game 3, take 2-1 series lead.
• Bruins captain Brad Marchand scores 2 goals, including game-winner.
• Maple Leafs unable to capitalize on 5 power play opportunities.
• Bruins can take 3-1 series lead with a win in Game 4 on Saturday.
• Maple Leafs face pressure to avoid another early playoff exit.