Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins – Game #17 Preview
The 17th game of the 82-game NHL season may seem routine, but for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the upcoming rematch against the Boston Bruins carries significant weight. The Leafs, scheduled to play at 7:00 p.m., face a crucial test after recent struggles.
“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 Challenges and Responses
Coach Craig Berube addressed potential defensive lineup changes following a tough weekend:
“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.”
Defenseman Jake McCabe shared his view on how the team can improve defensively:
“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.”
Key Points to Watch
- Maple Leafs aim to avoid a third straight sweep by a division rival.
- Defensive pairings face balance challenges with recent lineup adjustments.
- Team focus on smarter, more coordinated defensive play.
Author’s summary: The Maple Leafs face a pivotal rematch against the Bruins, needing defensive cohesion and strategic adjustments to halt their losing streak against division rivals.