Maple Leafs and Bruins in a crisis duel on Saturday

Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs is usually a top game in the Atlantic Division or even the Eastern Conference. After all, there have been some competitive series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs between these teams in recent years.

On Saturday (7 p.m. ET; NHL.tv; Sun. 1 a.m. CEST) both teams will meet again and this time it will be a crisis duel after neither got off to a good start to the season. The Maple Leafs are in fifth place in the division after two defeats in a row with eight points (4-4-0) from eight games, while the Bruins have also lost two in a row but with only seven points (3-4-1 ). ) are in an even worse position in seventh place after eight games.

“We see these guys a few times a year and it's going to be a physical and competitive match like most,” explains Toronto captain Auston Matthews. “Especially in Boston, we have to be ready and fight back. That will be the challenge for us.”

“It’s a damn important game for us,” said Toronto forward Mitch Marner. “We are not where we want to be, so we are challenged.”

On the other side, striker Brad Machand clings to Friday's training impressions. “We trained well today and were very focused,” he said. “We have to build on that and implement the whole thing in the game tomorrow. Then we will be successful.”

Boston coach Jim Montgomery is looking forward to the challenge against Toronto. “It never hurts when your biggest rival comes to town,” he thinks. “Both are Original Six teams and there were some memorable duels in the playoffs like last season.” That alone provides enough material. But our focus has to be on our game and getting better.”