I think it will likely go 6, but I agree. It's always seemed like Boston has the capacity to shut down teams that rely on a top heavy lineup.

For me it comes down to defense, goaltending, and coaching. The Bruins have the advantage in all three categories. Depth scoring and special teams can go either way. Unless Matthews goes beserk and scores 10 goals in the series, the Leafs don't stand a chance.

I agree that Boston is very good at shutting down top heavy teams, which is why I think Nylander will play 3rd line (at least at the beginning) which gives the Leafs a deeper attack. I do think Nylander will get minutes in the top 6 situationally (down late in the game, special teams, etc).

Heart says Leafs pull this out, head says Boston, just avoid a game 7 lol

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What's the point of knowing Bert-Matthews-Domi works, to then not use them together...

Bert-Matthews-Domi
McMann-JT-Willy
Knies-Holmberg-Marner
Dewar-Kampf-Reaves

And why have your best defensemen on the 2nd pair?
Rielly-Libby
Eddy-Lilly
Benoit-McCabe

Are you trying to sabotage them?

Putting either Marner or Nylander on the 3rd line won't get the best out of them. They have to be in the top six. I don't like Matthews with Marner, so Nylander goes to the 1st line. Ideally Domi plays center on the second or third line but he isn't capable of that, so he goes to the wing. Also, Keefe can always go back to the Bert-Matthews-Domi line if the team needs a goal desperately. That's their best line, but the point is to create the best line up, not just one elite line.

As for the defense, it's about playing the best pair, not best defenceman. Lyubushkin is a 7th D, do you really want him playing 20 minutes against the toughest competition? The guy can't make a pass. Benoit and McCabe has been their best pair so they should get most of the tough matchups. Rielly and Lyubushkin should be given sheltered minutes.

No it's not... They are both top RWs in the NHL, it prevents shutdown lines, we've seen it work beautifully... The point's to create the best lineup overall, not how to maximize 2 guys' usage... Look at COL in 21-22, Mack and Rant were on separate lines, allowing them to play off each other... If Boston wants to put Coyle on Matthews, then Marner and Nylander will feast... It's about making the deployment decisions bad for the other coach no matter the circumstance

Then put Rielly and Lilliegren together! Deciding bc you can't trust 1 of the 2 guys when the other's your best and most reliable defensemen is complete stupidity... And no, Benoit-McCabe isn't the Leafs best pair, Rielly-Lilly is but the Leafs don't have the depth for that...Rielly-Libby is the next best option, so should be played like the number 1 pair that they are...