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Ex-Bruins Head Coach shares strategy on how to defeat B's in Round 1

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Maverick Mitchell
April 19, 2024 (8:10)

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Former Bruins head coach Claude Julien behind the bench during playoffs.

Photo credit: Sports Illustrated

Former long time Bruins Head Coach Claude Julien shares his insight to the Toronto Maple Leafs on best way to defeat Boston in Round 1 of the 2024 NHL Playoffs.

The Leafs were expected to face the Panthers in the first round, but a Panthers win, and a Bruins loss shifted the standings, setting up an Original Six showdown instead.

The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't been able to secure a win over the Boston Bruins in a playoff series since 1959. Despite three chances in the last decade, this included a heartbreaking Game 7 losses in 2013, 2018, and 2019. For the Leafs, the curse remains unbroken.

Today Former Head coach of the Bruins Claude Julien was asked about what it will take for the Maple Leafs to finally win a series over the Bruins.

"We all know, it's pretty obvious to everybody, the Bruins have great goaltending and have two that are really good. Their backend is really strong and so is their defensive game. Their defensive structure is very strong so where I think the Leafs have an advantage is definitely on the offensive side of things where they can score a lot more. I think the Bruins maybe lack a little bit of depth in the scoring area so can the Leafs take advantage of trying to get to those dirty areas. Are they going to get to that net front? That means they are going to have to take some punishment, it's not going to be easy, but if they play on the outside, they don't have a chance of winning this series. It's about wanting to get your nose dirty - blocking shots, taking a hit to make a play. There's a team there that doesn't give much so you're going to have to create and make those things happen. A lot of it will not just be by skill alone, it will be by commitment and dedication and wanting to go to those areas."

The Bruins are missing Bergeron and Krejci, key defensive and offensive assets. While they can still contend with the Leafs' top talent, their blueline and goaltending stand out. Yet, if the Leafs contain Pastrnak and Marchand, the Bruins' depth takes a hit.

Julien pointed out: the Bruins' blueline and goaltending is superior to the Leafs'

Julien's concern with the Leafs lies in their struggle to generate close-range scoring chances. Without that, the Bruins hold the upper hand, as Claude Julien noted. This underscores the significance of Treliving's signings of Domi and Bertuzzi, who excel in those situations and can make a difference in the postseason.

Who do you think takes Game 1?

Source: Maple Leafs Daily - Ex-Bruins head coach reveals how the Leafs can beat Boston in Round 1.

Previously on Bruins Latest

Leafs announce Ryan Reaves will be in the lineup for game 1

Former Bruin Taylor Hall speaks on disappointing season

Andrew Peeke speaks on his excitement for his first NHL playoffs

POLL
19 AVRIL \| 88 ANSWERS Ex-Bruins Head Coach shares strategy on how to defeat B's in Round 1 Is Claude Julien on point with his assesment?
Yes	50	56.8 %
No	38	43.2 %
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