Whenever the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs clash in the postseason, it often ends in heartbreak for Toronto. Last season was no exception. After falling behind 3-1 in the series, the Maple Leafs forced a decisive Game 7 at TD Garden, only to see their hopes crushed in overtime by a David Pastrnak goal. The Bruins advanced, while Toronto was left to reflect on yet another painful chapter in their rivalry.

This season, however, the two teams are on very different trajectories. The Maple Leafs are on track to claim the Atlantic Division title, while the Bruins are slipping out of playoff contention and could miss the postseason altogether.

Maple Leafs Have the Opportunity to Deliver Another Blow

On Tuesday night, the two rivals meet for the fourth and final time this season in Boston, and Toronto has the chance to add to the Bruins’ struggles in 2024-25.

Currently sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, Boston faces an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot, needing to leapfrog at least two teams. Given their recent form, that seems unlikely, and GM Don Sweeney has hinted at being a seller ahead of the trade deadline. The situation is further worsened by injuries to key defensemen Hampus Lindholm, who is out for the season, and Charlie McAvoy, whose return remains uncertain. Losing both top defensemen at a critical juncture in the season makes their playoff hopes even more remote.

For the Maple Leafs and their fans, years of frustration could be channeled into Tuesday’s matchup. With a clear advantage in talent and momentum, Toronto is in prime position to push Boston further down the standings and closer to an early offseason. Anything short of a Leafs victory would not only be surprising but also concerning for their own playoff ambitions.

The disparity between the two teams has been evident throughout the season. Boston narrowly won the first meeting in overtime following an Auston Matthews turnover, but Toronto dominated the next two games at home, despite a late Bruins rally in January.

While this game won’t erase past playoff disappointments, a commanding win would serve as the next best thing—sending their long-time rivals into an earlier-than-expected offseason filled with tough questions and uncertainty.