NHL: Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs tussle as Boston Bruins prepare for Washington Capitals

The NHL regular season is beginning to wind down and the playoffs will produce plenty of drama. In this preview, we will look ahead to Winnipeg Jets v Toronto Maple Leafs, and Washington Capitals v Boston Bruins over the coming week. 

Winnipeg Jets must bounce back from Vancouver Canucks upset

The Jets have been distinctly underwhelming over the past couple of weeks. Prior to their 3-1 defeat earlier this week to the Vancouver Canucks, they had been on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline against the Ottawa Senators. They also fell to a 5-3 defeat against the Montreal Canadiens. Against the Canucks, the Jets peppered the goal with 40 attempts.

However, it proved to be one of those frustrating nights where very little came off for the Jets. Kyle Connor grabbed the Jets’ only goal against the Canucks, and Connor admitted at the end of the game he had lost count of the scoring opportunities the Jets had carved for themselves. He said: “We had, I don’t know how many Grade-A chances.”

Winnipeg Jets must go back to basics

Before taking on the Maple Leafs, the Jets will want revenge over the Canucks. While it may be tempting to press the panic button, the Jets may have to go back to basics to return to winning ways. Despite the mounting defeats, Jets captain Blake Wheeler isn’t worried. He said: “I think we have a good vibe and a lot to look forward to.”

Toronto Maple Leafs clinch Scotia North title

The Maple Leafs have been exceptional this term, and this was highlighted by the fact they have clinched their first Scotia North title since 2000. On Friday evening, they will be facing a Jets side low in confidence, but the Maple Leafs will want to finish the season on a high. Currently, the Maple Leafs’ record stands at 35-13-6, and they have amassed 76 points.

Washington Capitals in fine fettle ahead of Boston Bruins showdown

Although the Capitals missed out on the MassMutual East division title to the Pittsburgh Penguins, that shouldn’t detract from what has been a fine season otherwise for the Caps. They have a busy week though, and they will resume hostilities with the Bruins on Saturday in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. As the No.2, the Caps will have the home-ice advantage.

Washington Capitals will cling onto playoff memories against Boston Bruins

The Capitals and Bruins haven’t met often in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Indeed, the last time it happened was back in 2012 when they met in the first round. The Bruins at the time were the reigning Stanley Cup champions, but the Caps triumphed on away ice in overtime of Game 7.

As far as the Bruins are concerned, they have also been chalking up some big wins of late. One of their most notable victories was against the New York Islanders, whom they prevailed against 3-2 in Overtime. Taylor Hall was the star turn for the Bruins, as he weighed in with two goals. The result ensured Boston will finish third in the East division.

Boston Bruins facing Zdeno Chara reunion

The Bruins will be facing a reunion in the playoffs when they take on the Capitals. After an illustrious 14-year career with the Bruins, Zdeno Chara signed as a free agent for the Caps in the off-season. And it will certainly create some intrigue going into the Caps’ Stanley Cup playoff clash with the Bruins.

As far as the head-to-head record goes, the Caps and Bruins have shared a storied rivalry. But in 170 meetings between the pair, the Bruins shade it with 74 wins, while the Capitals have claimed 67 wins. 

Whatever happens in the playoffs, there will be a few more fascinating chapters added.

 

 

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