Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins – Game #17 Preview
The 17th game of the 82-game season might not usually seem crucial, but this rematch against the Boston Bruins carries significant weight for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After being swept in a home-and-home series against Detroit and Buffalo taking 3 of 4 points against them, the Leafs cannot afford another setback against a division opponent expected to finish lower in the standings.
“Feels like an unreasonably big game tonight. Leafs have already been swept in a home+home with DET, & BUF took 3 of 4 points vs them. Can't get cleaned out by a 3rd straight division opponent that's supposed to finish lower than you. Plus tack on needed response for CAR disaster.” — Anthony Petrielli (@APetrielli), November 11, 2025
Defensive Personnel Discussion
Head coach Craig Berube addressed the possibility of defensive changes following a difficult weekend. He explained the challenges of adding Dakota Mermis, noting the imbalance it would create in lefty-righty pairings and the adaptation required from players like Jake McCabe and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (OEL).
“I talked to Brad (Treliving) about call-ups. We are at where we are at right now. We have Dakota Mermis here on defense, but putting Mermis in there, to me — we don’t have a lefty-righty balance on the pairs as it is, and that is going to make it even worse. You’re putting someone on the right side, where we have McCabe now, which is new for him. He played the left side all of last year, and OEL has played the right at times and the left at times. It creates a little bit of a problem.” — Craig Berube
Team Defensive Strategy
Jake McCabe emphasized the need for the team to act cohesively on defense. He stated that hard work is evident but stressed the importance of smarter play and mutual support among players to improve overall defense.
“It’s just about being predictable and on the same page. It is not like the guys are trying not to work hard or are not working hard, but you have to work smarter sometimes and help each other out.” — Jake McCabe
Key Takeaways
- The Maple Leafs face mounting pressure after recent disappointing results.
- Defensive lineup adjustments are complicated by the need for balanced pairings.
- Team communication and smart defensive effort are essential moving forward.
Author's summary: The Maple Leafs enter a pivotal game against the Bruins under pressure, with defensive challenges and a collective call for smarter, united play on the ice.
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