It wasn't easy, but the Boston Bruins have advanced to the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 Game 7 victory in overtime to eliminate the rival Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Bruins held a 3-1 series lead at one point, but the Leafs battled back with gutsy victories in Games 5 and 6 to push the series to a do-or-die Game 7. Unfortunately for the Leafs, their series comeback attempt fell short Saturday at TD Garden.
It was the Bruins' fourth Game 7 win over the Leafs in the first round this century. They also defeated Toronto in this fashion in 2013, 2018 and 2019.
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The Bruins now have 16 Game 7 victories in their 100-year history, which moves them past the rival Montreal Canadiens for the most all-time. The Bruins have played in 31 Game 7s as a franchise overall, which is also a record. The Leafs are in second place with 27 Game 7s played. Toronto's 15 Game 7 losses are tied with the Bruins for the most ever.
Here's a look at the teams with the most Game 7 wins in playoff history.
1. Boston Bruins: 16-15
2. Montreal Canadiens: 15-9
3. Detroit Red Wings: 14-11
4. Toronto Maple Leafs: 12-15
5. New York Rangers: 11-7
Next up for the Bruins is a second-round matchup against the Florida Panthers, who upset the Original Six club in the first round last season. The B's now have their chance for revenge. Game 1 of the series is Monday night in Florida.