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NHL playoffs 2018: Bruins vs. Maple Leafs TV schedule

By C.L. Kohuss

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 10: Boston Bruins Defenceman Kevan Miller (86) separates Toronto Maple Leafs Winger William Nylander (29) from the puck. During the Boston Bruins game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 10, 2016 at TD Bank Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 10: Boston Bruins Defenceman Kevan Miller (86) separates Toronto Maple Leafs Winger William Nylander (29) from the puck. During the Boston Bruins game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 10, 2016 at TD Bank Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The 2018 NHL playoffs are here already and FanSided wants to keep you covered. The Boston Bruins are ready to begin their tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs at home on Thursday.

The Boston Bruins come into these playoffs as a no-doubt favorite. They were neck-and-neck with the Tampa Bay Lightning for best in the East (and NHL) all season long. They also dominated nightly.

The B’s didn’t win the Atlantic Division, but they still tallied a ridiculous 112 points behind top dogs Brad Marchand and Tuukka Rask. They also accomplished that without the services of Patrice Bergeron for a good chunk of the season. He played in 64 games and still managed to dole out 63 points. It helps, too, when you have depth. Stud right winger David Pastrnak came into his very own this year. The former first rounder put up a career high 80 points after going for 70 last season.

Freshman sensation Ryan Donato also came in near the end of the season to contribute nine points in 12 games. Rumors are swirling that he won’t be in the lineup for Game 1, but expect to see him come on at some point this series.

We mentioned Marchand, Bergeron and the Bruins’ scoring depth, along with Vezina Trophy candidate Tuukka Rask, but what else could propel them to win the Stanley Cup? Check out these five reasons why they’re a lock to lift the Cup.

Bruins vs. Maple Leafs TV Schedule

*If necessary. All times in ET.

Game 1: Thursday, April 12, 7:00 p.m., @ Boston

TV: NBCSN, CBC, NESN, TVAS

Game 2: Saturday, April 14, 8:00 p.m., @ Boston

TV: NBC, CBC, TVAS

Game 3: Monday, April 16, 7:00 p.m., @ Toronto

TV: NBCSN, CBC, NESN, TVAS

Game 4: Thursday, April 19, 7:00 p.m., @ Toronto

*Game 5: Saturday, April 21, TBD @ Boston

*Game 6: Monday, April 23, TBD @ Toronto

*Game 7: Wednesday, April 25, TBD @ Boston

Can’t catch the games on TV? You can watch them all via live stream on Fubo.TV. Sign up now for a free trial.

Meanwhile, let’s not be too dismissive of the Toronto Maple Leafs. They finished third in the Atlantic behind Tampa Bay and Boston, but still nailed out an impressive 105 points. The Leafs are looking to knock someone off their perch. Could we be in for an upset?

They certainly have the depth. Aside from young superstar Auston Matthews, six other players tallied more than 50 points. They also feature six guys with more than 20 goals and three above 30.

One issue could be their goaltending. Specifically, can they find a way to get enough of it to outlast the Bruins. Frederik Andersen wasn’t great in the final month. He gave up 38 goals the last 12 games with routine save percentages hovering below .900.  Of course, defense always plays a part in this as well. Andersen still managed to pick up wins when the offense could carry the load.

Here’s the thing, though: Defense and goaltending aren’t the only keys to winning a Cup. If you’d like to see why the Maple Leafs have what it takes to devour greatness, check it out here. 

Next: 27 greatest American players of all-time

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