Stanley Cup Playoffs: Maple Leafs vs. Bruins

SUNRISE, Fla. – The Toronto Maple Leafs knew they had a familiar foe waiting on deck.

The club now knows which Atlantic Division opponent will present its first test in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Toronto will face the Boston Bruins in the opening round after the Leafs' 5-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night locked up the standings.

The Boston Bruins lost their regular season finale at home to the Ottawa Senators 3-1 to finish in second place in the division.

Florida swept the Leafs in the second round last spring and will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoff opener.

Toronto, which could secure revenge for the Panthers with a win over Florida on Tuesday, lost to the Bruins in seven games in the first round of the 2018 and 2019 playoffs.

This Canadian Press report was first published on April 16, 2024.