NHL
When did the Maple Leafs last beat the Bruins in the NHL playoffs?
David Pastrňák was the hero on Saturday night as the Boston Bruins overcame the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7, scoring in overtime.
David ‘Pasta’ Pastrňák emerged as the hero for the Boston Bruins in a breathtaking overtime showdown on Saturday night, burying the winning goal just 1:54 into the extra frame to seal a 2-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff clash.
Pastrnak dashed up the right wing before finishing deftly with his backhand, capitalising on the rebound from defenseman Hampus Lindholm’s well-placed lob off the corner boards. Despite the valiant efforts of Toronto goaltender Ilya Samsonov, who made 29 saves, Pastrnak’s shot found its mark, slipping between the left post and Samsonov’s outstretched skate.
Lindholm had also left his mark on the scoreboard, as well as the OT assist, in regulation shortly after William Nylander put Toronto ahead in the third period. Between the pipes, Jeremy Swayman stood tall for the Bruins, making 30 saves and earning praise from Montgomery as the series’ standout performer.
Over five decades of Bruins dominance over Maple Leafs
With the victory, Boston extended its playoff dominance over Toronto, securing its seventh consecutive series win against the Maple Leafs dating back to 1969. The last time Toronto beat Boston in the post-season was in 1959.
The Bruins now look ahead to a second-round matchup against the Florida Panthers, with Game 1 scheduled for Monday night in Sunrise, Florida.
Who is David Pastrnak? When was he drafted?
David Pastrňák, affectionately known as “Pasta,” has carved out an impressive career as a Czech professional ice hockey right winger and alternate captain for the Boston Bruins in the NHL. Born on May 25, 1996, Pastrňák’s journey to hockey stardom was fuelled by a deep personal motivation following the passing of his father, Milan, in 2013, who had long harboured dreams of his son succeeding in the sport.
Pastrňák’s talent quickly became evident during his early years, particularly in the 2011-12 season when he dominated the Czech under-18 league in goals and points. His skill caught the attention of the Boston Bruins, who drafted him in the first round, 25th overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Shortly thereafter, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Bruins.
Making his NHL debut in 2014, Pastrňák wasted no time in showcasing his scoring prowess, quickly becoming a fan favourite in Boston. Throughout his tenure with the Bruins, Pastrňák has consistently delivered standout performances, earning accolades such as becoming the youngest player in Bruins history to score an overtime, game-winning goal in regular-season play. He appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2019, although the Bruins fell just short of claiming the title.
Internationally, Pastrňák has been a key player for the Czech national team, representing his country at various levels, including the World Championships and the IIHF U18 Championships, where he won a silver medal in 2014.