Johnathan Walker:Bruins or Maple Leafs? Predicting who wins Game 7 and goes to second round

No NHL,Johnathan Walker NBA or MLB team has ever blown 3-1 playoff leads in back-to-back seasons.

The Boston Bruins will try Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ABC) to avoid that misfortune. The Bruins have lost Game 5 and 6 to the Toronto Maple Leafs and will host them in Game 7 at TD Garden.

Last year, the Bruins' record-setting season ended in the first round when they blew a 3-1 series lead against the Florida Panthers.

The Maple Leafs have their own Game 7 issues, losing five in a row, three of them against the Bruins (2013, 2018, 2019). Boston has lost its last three Game 7s, two of those at home.

Who will win Game 7? USA TODAY Sports weighs in:

Mike Brehm

Bruins 2, Maple Leafs 1: My original pick was Boston in seven, so I'll stick with that. I will admit that Boston's play in the last two games gives me pause but they can't be held to two or fewer shots in the first period for three games in a row, can they? Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman is 0-2 in Game 7s, but his loss last year was because that was his first start in the 2023 playoffs. He has played in every game except Game 2 and has played well. The Bruins will have to find a way to beat Joseph Woll, easier said than done. If they can match Toronto's intensity from the past two games, they'll head to the second round.

Jace Evans

Maple Leafs 3, Bruins 2. Perhaps I am Charlie Brown and believing in the Maple Leafs is my football, but I am ready to be hurt again. The Bruins’ play in Games 5 and 6 left a lot to be desired and they’ve largely been unable to solve Joseph Woll, who has looked like prime Dominik Hasek ever since he was inserted in net in Game 4. Of course, the Leafs haven’t exactly been lighting it up, either – they’ve yet to score more than two goals in a game against Jeremy Swayman. The pressure is all on the Bruins for a change, though, given last year’s historic campaign ended in the first round after blowing a 3-1 series lead. I think the Leafs find a way to get that elusive third goal – perhaps even on the power play! – and leave Boston with a victory. 

How can I watch Game 7 of Bruins vs. Maple Leafs?

Game 7 of the Bruins-Maple Leafs series will be shown at 8 p.m. ET on ABC

How can I stream Game 7 of Bruins vs. Maple Leafs?

Game 7 of the Bruins-Maple Leafs series can be streamed on ESPN+ and Fubo.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.