This is an outstanding first round playoff matchup. Pasta vs. Auston Matthews is must-see TV for any hockey fan. Both teams have strong net-minders, but I still expect to see 6+ goals in this one.

I really, really hope the Leafs end the longest Stanley Cup drought in the NHL as that city deserves it and wow what a party that would be. Think Argentina after the World Cup. I would totally be there too if at all possible. Poutine everywhere! Alas, don't see it. Offense is great but Toronto simply doesn't have the goaltending, and the Bruins are their Lex Luthor ... but in this scenario Kal-El never wins it seems. Boston has won six straight playoff series vs. Toronto and swept the regular-season series. This is one of those bets I'm OK losing even if obviously prefer not. Upgrade it a bit if Leafs forward William Nylander (40G, 58A) sits. He's questionable.

Now that Toronto has actually won a playoff series (never mind being hustled out of the postseason in the subsequent round last spring), matchups like this one vs. the Bruins no longer have to spook the Maple Leafs. Taking out Tampa Bay in the first round last year cleared a psychological barrier for Toronto, and we wonder about the Bruins, who have had to live with themselves for a year after their shock exit in the first round vs. the Panthers a year ago. Toronto certainly has the firepower required, with Auston Matthews off a record-breaking season, and the Leafs are 23-7-8 with Ilya Samsonov in goal this season. Play Maple Leafs on Money Line