The Toronto Maple Leafs have returned to the NHL Playoffs following a third-place finish in the Atlantic Division. Auston Matthews and company have been in this situation many, many times before, but it’s never ended well for Toronto. So maybe this season, we will see a different result.
If you’re one of the many Maple Leafs fans looking to tune in and watch your team try and break through to the Eastern Conference Finals and beyond, and you’re curious about who their Round 1 opponent is, how to watch, and what to expect, keep reading for the rundown.
Who are the Maple Leafs playing in Round 1?
The Maple Leafs will open the postseason against the Atlantic’s second-place finisher, the Boston Bruins. If you’ve been a Toronto fan for a while, you know how big of a series this will be, and if you’re new to the Maple Leafs, prepare to be entertained for this four-to-seven-game series.
When does the Maple Leafs-Bruins series begin?
The opening faceoff for the Maple Leafs-Bruins series is set for Saturday, April 20th, at 8 PM, and the subsequent games and times are as follows:
- Game 2: Monday, April 22nd at 7 PM
- Game 3: Wednesday, April 24th at 7 PM
- Game 4: Saturday, April 27th at 8 PM
- Game 5: Tuesday, April 30th (if necessary)
- Game 6: Thursday, May 2nd (if necessary)
- Game 7: Saturday, May 4th (if necessary)
What channel will broadcast the Maple Leafs-Bruins series?
TBS, truTV, and MAX will cover Game 1 if you’re in the US, and if you’re in Canada, catch it on SN, CBC, or TVAS. As for Games 2 through 7 (if necessary), you’ll find them on the following networks:
- Game 2: ESPN, TVAS, CBC, SN
- Game 3: ESPN, TVAS, CBC, SN
- Game 4: TBS, truTV, MAX, TVAS, CBC, SN
- Game 5: TBD
- Game 6: TBD
- Game 7: TBD
If you’re hoping to stream the action, fuboTV will let you watch all the Maple Leafs-Bruins games and any other series you plan on tuning in for.
“fuboTV has live NHL games on ESPN, which you can stream from your phone, television, and all your favorite devices. This is a service that broadcasts live TV over the internet, no cable is required. Watch your favorite teams, network shows, news, and movies on over 100+ channels. Plus on-demand entertainment including full TV series. fuboTV is currently available in the United States, Canada, and Spain.”
What to watch for in the latest chapter of this historic rivalry
This is an interesting series since the Bruins won the Presidents’ Trophy last season, only to find themselves watching the rest of the playoffs from home after Round 1. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs won their first playoff series for the first time in what feels like an eternity. Boston is looking to show that they are better in the postseason than they were last year, while Toronto wants to win a playoff series for the second year running.
You have two tough Atlantic Division teams squaring off, but you can’t help but give the Maple Leafs the edge here. Boston wasn’t anywhere near as strong as they were last season and Toronto has a goal-scoring phenom in Auston Matthews.
(Data provided by Hockey-Reference)