The Boston Bruins emerged victorious in a hard-fought Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, claiming a 4-2 win and taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. A gripping third period unfolded, marked by goals from Jake DeBrusk and a brace from Brad Marchand, including an empty-netter. Boston’s Jeremy Swayman stood tall, making 28 saves on 30 shots. The Maple Leafs failed to convert on any of their five power play attempts, while Boston capitalized on two of their three opportunities. The Bruins initiated the game with a power play but were unable to capitalize. They endured an injury scare when Parker Wotherspoon blocked a shot and appeared in discomfort. Toronto had their own power play opportunity shortly after but failed to score. Pavel Zacha had a shorthanded breakaway chance for the Bruins, but Ilya Samsonov made a crucial save to keep the game scoreless. The Maple Leafs increased their physicality in the final minutes of the opening period, but the teams remained deadlocked at 0-0 after the first 20 minutes. Intensity and pace escalated in the second period. Max Domi appeared to deliberately skate into Swayman, sparking a brief altercation with Pat Maroon. The Maple Leafs took the lead when Nick Knies redirected a Mitch Marner pass past Swayman with 6:50 remaining in the period. However, Boston responded when Trent Frederic beat Samsonov with 2:23 to go in the period. Penalties marred the closing minutes, with Charlie McAvoy and Tyler Bertuzzi being sent to the box for roughing. The Bruins seized their first lead of the game just 1:07 into the third period when DeBrusk buried a Marchand rebound. Chaos ensued in front of Swayman on the next Toronto power play, but the puck miraculously stayed out of the net. Bertuzzi tied the game with a goal eight-and-a-half minutes into the period. Boston responded swiftly, with a vintage Marchand snipe giving the Bruins a 3-2 lead. Toronto pulled its goalie in a desperate attempt to equalize but was thwarted by a holding call on John Tavares, resulting in an empty-net goal by Marchand and sealing the victory for the Bruins. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday night, with Boston aiming to push the Maple Leafs to the brink of elimination.
Bruins Triumph Over Maple Leafs in Game 3, Seizing 2-1 Series Lead
