The Bruins and Maple Leafs were on a collision course for another first round matchup throughout the regular season. That inevitable showdown turned into a reality in Game 1 Thursday night.
The palpable energy on Causeway Street was front and center leading into Game 1. Yet, the capacity crowd of 17,565 at TD Garden didn’t envision the Bruins laying an egg.
Bruce Cassidy’s squad took the early lead in the opening period after Brad Marchand found Patrice Bergeron on Boston’s first power play attempt. They had momentum on their side with a solid start. Then they unraveled.