BOSTON — The Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 in Game 7 on Saturday night, clinching their NHL first-round series and advancing to the Stanley Cup playoffs. David Pastrnak scored on a feed from Hampus Lindholm at 1:54 of overtime.
Jeremy Swayman ended with 30 saves, and Lindholm scored the tying goal in regulation to help the Bruins escape dropping their second straight first-round series after leading 3-1. They have now defeated the Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the first round of the playoffs three times in the last seven seasons.
Following a setback in Game 6, Boston coach Jim Montgomery told reporters that the team needed more from Pastrnak, and the right wing responded. He finished with four shots on net in 30 shifts and 21:21 of ice time.
“I thought he was dynamic tonight,” Montgomery commented. “I thought he had his most possession time, he was creating shots, he was taking what was available.”
Boston will face the Florida Panthers, who defeated the Bruins in seven games in the first round last year, capping a season in which they established NHL records for most victories and points. Game 1 is scheduled for Monday night in Florida. The Panthers have rested since Tuesday, when they defeated Tampa Bay in five games.
William Nylander scored and Auston Matthews assisted in his return from a two-game layoff for the Maple Leafs, who are now 0-6 in Game 7s dating back to the 2013 conference quarterfinals. They’re 0-4 on the road in those games, all of which have taken place in Boston. Matthews missed Games 5 and 6 due to an unknown illness.
Matthews started the game on Toronto’s third line before returning to the top line in time for the Maple Leafs’ only goal. He completed 24 shifts and spent 17:35 on the ice.
Ilya Samsonov began in goal for the Leafs for the first time since Game 4 and recorded 29 saves.
“Obviously, not moving on, not getting the result we want, is extremely difficult,” Toronto captain John Tavares stated. “I’m very pleased of the type of squad that we have, the type of character that is in here, and the overall belief in this locker room. We stuck to it and gave ourselves a chance.”
Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe agreed.
“Loved how our team fought to put us in the position to compete and play in this game, have a chance to be one shot away,” he stated. “Obviously, you reflect on the series; we don’t like the hole we dug ourselves, and it’s a major reason we’re here. “I love our team’s fight.”
Pastrnak finished with three goals in the series and will now face a second-round opponent against whom he scored five times last season.
“Huge moment, obviously,” Pastrnak said of Saturday’s winner. “You could say a little relief, as well.”
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