The Bruins know that the Maple Leafs will be playing desperate hockey, which will require a strong focus from the drop of the puck.
“We expect them to come out hard,” said Zacha. “We have to know they came out pretty good every game and I think that’s something we have to really focus on with a good start and I think we’re ready for that.
“That’s very important for us at the start of the game, being simple and beating them there. The crowd, you can use it as a push to put you in the right direction. It’s great to play at home, so we’re excited.”
While the Bruins split the first two games of the series on home ice, DeBrusk echoed his teammate’s sentiments, saying they should be able to use the TD Garden crowd to their advantage.
“Having home ice is always good in the playoffs,” said DeBrusk. “But I think Monty said it perfectly, we’ve got to play a simple game, be above, play behind, and continue to build off of our game. I think that obviously we got the results we wanted there, but in saying that, we know that tonight’s gonna be the hardest game and they’re gonna give it their all. We have to match that.”
To put it simply, the Bruins are embracing the opportunity in front of them on Tuesday night.
“It’s great to be in the playoffs and being in the situation we put ourselves in with the hard work over the year and every game of the playoffs,” said Zacha. “Everyone should be grateful that we’re in this position and being able to play at home and being able to [have a chance to] put a good team away. That’s exciting for us.”
