Danton Heinen of the Bruins and Leo Komarov of the Leafs in Nov. 2017. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Bruins and Maple Leafs lost in the first round of the playoffs last year. This time, one will survive.
Boston and Toronto will play Game 1 at the Garden tomorrow and David Krejci said his B's have to stay focused.
"Lots of guys been here last year, you know, they got a taste of the playoffs last year, so they know what it takes to get in," Krejci said. "Playoffs, it's a different league. You gotta keep your emotions in check. Everybody's going to be excited, the building's going to be going crazy. Just, be excited, but kind of be in the moment--have your mind in the game, be focused on the next shift, that's what you gotta do."
Bruins Share Playoff Expectations
With Game 1 on Thursday, General Manager Don Sweeney is confident in his group.
Like Krejci, Patrice Bergeron expects a challenge.
"They're a tough matchup, they're a good team," Bergeron said. "They play with a lot of pace, lot of speed, and they're tight defensively. So, it's been good games, all the games that we've played against them, and we're expecting the same thing, a tough series."
The B's went 1-2-and-1 against the Leafs this year, but each side has its strengths.
Top line? That's Boston, with a trio of 30-goal scorers in Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak.
Overall depth? Probably Toronto, at least depending on the B's health.
Fortunately, Bruins have the superior defense, goaltending, and special teams.
Coaching? If you're going with experience, that's Mike Babcock and the Leafs.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports