SportsHockeyMaple Leafs

Late Marchand goal hands Leafs devastating playoff loss on home ice

Al Sciola
Al Sciola
|
Apr 25 2024, 1:50 am
Late Marchand goal hands Leafs devastating playoff loss on home ice
John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY Sports

Despite getting off to a fiery start, the Toronto Maple Leafs were unable to get it done in Game 3 against the Boston Bruins, falling by a score of 4-2.

Outshot by Boston, the Leafs failed to bounce back after Bruins captain Brad Marchand netted a late goal to give his team the lead in the series.

Toronto had plenty of great chances in front of their home crowd on Wednesday night, but Boston goalie Jeremy Swayman made countless show-stopping saves, limiting them to just two goals in the game.

It took a while for anyone to get on the scoreboard. While both teams got power-play opportunities in the opening frame, they were held to seven shots apiece, going into the intermission scoreless.

The Leafs, however, made sure to keep up the physicality they’ve displayed in Games 1 and 2, laying the body down every chance they got.

With a collective 60 hits in the first 20 minutes alone, bruises were aplenty in this affair.

The scrappiness even extended into the commercial break when Max Domi collided with the Bruins goaltender, sweeping him off his feet.

After nearly 35 minutes of play, Leafs forward Matthew Knies was the first to strike, netting his first goal of the series.

Boston fired back a few minutes later, though, as Bruins forward Trent Frederic snuck one through Ilya Samsonov’s legs.

A sea of boos erupted at Scotiabank Arena shortly afterwards as fans argued that Marchand should have been issued a penalty for hooking against Tyler Bertuzzi seconds before the tying goal was scored.

Bertuzzi got his revenge in the third period, though, scoring a goal to tie things up.

But celebrations were short-lived, as just 18 seconds later, Marchand got one of his own to ultimately cement a win for Boston. He later scored the empty netter for good measure.

Now down 2-1 in the best-of-seven, the Leafs will look to tie up the series at home for Game 4 on Saturday.

Leafs 2024 first-round playoff schedule

  • Game 4: Saturday, April 27, Boston at Toronto, 8 pm ET
  • Game 5: Tuesday, April 30, Toronto at Boston, TBD
  • Game 6: Thursday, May 2, Boston at Toronto, TBD*
  • Game 7: Saturday, May 4, Toronto at Boston, TBD*

*if necessary

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