Leafs beat Bruins without suspended Kadri to take series lead

The Toronto Maple Leafs took a 2-1 series lead on the Boston Bruins after a hard-fought 3-2 win on Monday.

They did so without Nazem Kadri, who was suspended for the remainder of the series for his crosscheck on Jake DeBrusk in Game 2.

See also

• NHL suspends Leafs' Kadri for entire 1st round playoff series
• Leafs fans can't get enough of one of their smallest players taking down Chara (VIDEO)

Not only does Kadri play a pivotal role at even strength, but he’s also a regular fixture on the top power play and penalty kill units, meaning the Leafs had several holes to fill for Game 3.

Tyler Ennis drew into the lineup as the extra forward, while William Nylander took Kadri’s regular spot as third line centre and played a strong defensive game.

Andreas Johnsson got Kadri’s spot on the top power play unit, and he scored the game winning goal for the Leafs late in the second period.

Roof daddy! A brilliant backhand by Johnsson. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/eXsZALPLkq

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 16, 2019

Johnsson also had an assist on the man advantage earlier in the period on Auston Matthews’ first goal of the playoffs.

Trevor Moore has been great on the fourth line for the Leafs all series, and he opened the scoring with his first career playoff goal early in the second period.

Trevor Moore opens the scoring for the #Leafs in Game 3 🚨 pic.twitter.com/gXvxXkpsdC

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 16, 2019

The Leafs held the one goal lead for the entire third period with the Bruins pressing to tie. Frederik Andersen was great again in goal, making 34 saves in the win.

The Leafs will try to take a stranglehold on the series when they play Game 4 at home on Wednesday (7 pm ET on CBC/Sportsnet).