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The Toronto Maple Leafs, who have had their share of tough luck in Game 7, got some good news and bad news before Saturday's series-deciding game (8 p.m. ET, ABC) against the Boston Bruins. The good news: NHL leading goal scorer Auston Matthews was playing after missing two games and one period with injury/illness. He started on the third line. But the Leafs also announced that goalie Joseph Woll (who won the last two games to force Game 7) suffered an injury in Game 6. He didn't dress and Saturday's start went to Ilya Samsonov, who was pulled in Game 4. The Bruins were trying to avoid becoming the first NHL, NBA or MLB team to blow 3-1 playoff leads in back-to-back seasons. They did that last season in the first round against the Florida Panthers. The Maple Leafs had lost five consecutive Game 7s, three of them against the Bruins (2013, 2018, 2019). Boston lost its last three Game 7s, two of those at home. Who will win Game 7? USA TODAY Sports weighs in (before the Woll and Matthews news): 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. 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. Game 7 of the Bruins-Maple Leafs series will be shown at 8 p.m. ET on ABC 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.Mike Brehm
Jace Evans
How can I watch Game 7 of Bruins vs. Maple Leafs?
How can I stream Game 7 of Bruins vs. Maple Leafs?