2023 Round 2: vs Florida Panthers
In their first second-round game in 19 years, the Leafs came up short in game 1 for the second time in the same playoff year.
The Leafs lost 4-2 to the Florida Panthers, with goals coming from Matthew Knies (his first NHL goal) and Michael Bunting.
The Panthers won the series in five games, but this year was still a strong step in the right direction for the Leafs.
Prediction For Game 1 vs Boston
In just a few days, the Leafs are going to take on the Boston Bruins in game 1 of their first round series. If I had to make a prediction, I'll pick the Leafs winning.
If we look at a pattern over the last 8 game 1s, the Leafs have lost twice, then won one, then lost twice, then won one.
After last year's series, they have lost two in a row, which means if this pattern stays true, they're due to win this year.
Now anyone's guess is as good as mine, and the Leafs game 1 pattern is obviously pure coincidence. But regardless, it's going to be a fantastic series between Toronto and Boston.