The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs in 2018 primarily on the backs of their top line of Marchand, Bergeron and Pastrnak. Though coach Bruce Cassidy experimented with splitting them and sending Pastrnak to the second line with center David Krejci, he's going all in on the top line to start the series.
That should work heavily in the Bruins' favor. Though the Tampa Bay Lightning succeeded in slowing that line in the second round last season in a five-game series victory, the Maple Leafs never did in the first round.
If that line can in any way replicate its play from the regular season, especially Marchand, who tied for fifth in the NHL with 100 points (36 goals, 64 assists), or from the 2018 series against the Maple Leafs, when the three combined for 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) in seven games, it would be a significant advantage for Boston.