Are the Toronto Maple Leafs truly a playoff team? Many questioned whether the team would be ready for the grind that is the Stanley Cup playoffs. After a stunning performance in Game 2 in Boston, there can be no doubt.
"Tonight eliminated that doubt," said Toronto coach Randy Carlyle after destroying the Boston Bruins 4-2. "When we play our game and skate off the puck and move it effectively, we can be a hockey club that can compete.
The Leafs fell behind early in the second period but blitzed the Bruins for three unanswered goals, including one from Phil Kessel and two from Joffrey Lupul.
"I think it will be crazy," Lupul said about returning home with a 1-1 series tie. "With the win tonight and with (the playoff wait) whatever it is, eight, nine years, I saw the videos of the other day of everyone crowded around Maple Leaf Square (outside the Air Canada Centre). "
Carlyle must have taken notes from Islander head Coach Jack Capuano prior to Saturday's game. The Isles coach mixed up his lineup in Game 2 and grinded out a 4-3 victory against the Eastern Conference's top team. Kessel, the offensive leader for Toronto was pulled from the top line with Lupul and Tyler Bozak and spread throughout the lineup. Carlyle consistently took him off the ice when Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara was on the ice to avoid the matchup.
After dominating Toronto 4-1 in the opener, the Bruins looked out of their depth. The team struggled to contain Toronto's top players and looked slow on defense.
"We gave up way too many rushes and they just used their chances and they scored goals," said Dennis Seidenberg.
Now the Leafs get a chance to change the series on home ice. The team has not played a playoff game at the Air Canada Centre since 2004.
Prediction: Boston reasserts control with a 3-2 win.
Start Time: 7 PM EST
TV: CBC, NHL Network, RDS