Boston Bruins rally, defeat Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7

BOSTON — David Pastrnak scored on a feed from (*7*) 1:54 into additional time and the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 in Game 7 on Saturday evening to clinch their NHL first-round sequence and advance in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Jeremy Swayman completed with 30 saves and Lindholm had the tying aim in regulation to assist the Bruins keep away from shedding their second straight first-round sequence after holding a 3-1 lead. They have now defeated the rival Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the primary spherical of the playoffs thrice in the previous seven years.

After a loss in Game 6, Boston coach Jim Montgomery advised reporters the membership wanted extra from Pastrnak, and the correct wing delivered. He ended up with 4 photographs on internet throughout 30 shifts and 21:21 of ice time.

“I thought he was dynamic tonight,” Montgomery stated. “I thought he had his most possession time, he was creating shots, he was taking what was available.”

Boston will meet the Florida Panthers, who upset the Bruins in seven video games in the primary spherical final yr and spoiled a season in which they posted information for essentially the most wins and factors in a season in NHL historical past. Game 1 is about for Monday evening in Florida. The Panthers have been resting since Tuesday, once they eradicated Tampa Bay in 5 video games.

William Nylander scored and Auston Matthews had an help in his return from a two-game absence for the Maple Leafs, who are actually 0-6 in Game 7s because the 2013 convention quarterfinals. They are 0-4 on the street in these video games — all in Boston. Matthews missed Games 5 and 6 with an undisclosed ailment.

Matthews opened the sport on Toronto’s third line earlier than rejoining the primary line in time for the Maple Leafs’ lone aim. He completed with 24 shifts and 17:35 time on the ice.

Ilya Samsonov began in aim for the Leafs for the primary time since Game 4 and completed with 29 saves.

“Obviously, not moving on, not getting the result we want is extremely difficult,” Toronto captain John Tavares stated. “With the type of team that we have, and the type of character that’s in here, and just the belief in this locker room, I’m very proud. We stuck with it and gave ourselves a chance.”

Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe concurred.

“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 love the hole we dug ourselves, and it’s a big reason why we’re here. Love the fight of our team.”

Pastrnak ended with three objectives in the sequence, and he’ll now face a second-round opponent towards whom he scored 5 instances final postseason.

“Huge moment, obviously,” Pastrnak stated of Saturday’s winner. “You could say a little relief, as well.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.