The Bruins finished higher in the standings this season and won the previous two playoff series between these clubs in 2018 and 2019. However, this version of the Leafs is a more seasoned team and led by high-scoring stars Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

This series could go the distance like the last two, but the outcome will be different.

Prediction: Maple Leafs in 7

- Lyle Richardson

This series is going to get all the attention and rightly so. It's a heavyweight bout between two really strong teams with a load of history against each other. Everyone loves drama and, boy do both teams have it.

Is Toronto buoyed by finally escaping the first round last year? Is Boston going to avenge getting booted out in the first round by Florida after winning the Presidents' Trophy? This series is either going to seven or someone is getting swept for maximum drama and humiliation for the opposing side.

Prediction: Bruins in 7

- Joe Yerdon

There's got to be an upset in here someplace, no? This one would certainly qualify as the lower-case variety, but it still qualifies.

The Bruins were the top team in the division into the final week but couldn't hold the edge, and outside of consistently terrific goaltending, they seem to be an overachieving bunch.

Toronto doesn't have a foolproof resume, either, but it's more powerful and that's what matters. Maybe.

Prediction: Maple Leafs in 6

- Lyle Fitzsimmons

The narratives surrounding this rivalry are as exhausting as they are pervasive. Sure, they have some merit, and plenty of key players from the first time these cores faced off still play on these teams.

The Leafs have a long losing streak in the postseason against the Bruins and put up some pretty pathetic performances against them this regular season.

But things are just as different as they were the same. The Bruins are without Patrice Bergeron and David Krejčí, and they had a devastating first-round collapse last season. But they're still around the top of the Atlantic, with the best goalie tandem in the league, consistently beating the Leafs.

Meanwhile, on Toronto's end, there's a new GM, a "tougher" vibe and finally a first-round win. There's Auston Matthews and his 69-goal season.

This Bruins-Leafs matchup feels different than years past.

The Bruins will win because they have the best goaltending tandem in the league and the experience of what not to do with it from last season's playoffs. The Leafs will lose because they made a huge point of getting "tougher" with no real function and uncertain goaltending.

It'll be the same result for new and exciting reasons.

Prediction: Bruins in 7

- Sara Civian

Two teams that are as scary as they are flawed.

Boston was decimated by the departures of some key players last summer, while the Leafs made some bizarre decisions about how to supplement their star players.

A Zacha-Coyle center tandem in Boston won't intimidate anyone, but Jeremy Swayman or Linus Ullmark offers more certainty than Ilya Samsonov or Joseph Woll.

It's close, but I'll pick Toronto for two reasons. First, its star power is ridiculous. Secondly, while I'm not big on narratives, the Leafs have more to play for.

Boston went all-in last season and this is a transition year for them. Toronto has heavy expectations, and drastic changes could come if it fails again.

Prediction: Maple Leafs in 7

- Adam Herman

I hate this matchup for Toronto, and I fear it is going to result in another of playoff disappointment for the Maple Leafs. This time it might spark some real change on the roster.

I think this is a terrible matchup for them. The Bruins have two fantastic goalies and have also had the Maple Leafs' number all season. I don't trust Toronto's defensive play or goaltending, and it will be enough to swing it in the Bruins' favor.

Boston has its share of flaws at center and on defense, but it has enough to get through the Maple Leafs.

Prediction: Bruins in 6

- Adam Gretz