Pat Maroon’s Physical Presence and Playoff Experience Helps Bruins Defeat Maple Leafs in Game 1

Pat Maroon, acquired by the Bruins from the Minnesota Wild on trade deadline day in March, was expected to make a significant impact in games like their first-round playoff series opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs. True to form, the veteran forward did not disappoint early on, picking up an assist on John Beecher’s first-period goal.

However, it was shortly after his assist that Maroon delivered a massive hit on Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren that sent him sprawling into the Bruins’ bench. The crowd at TD Garden went wild as they watched Maroon showcase his physical presence on the ice.

Despite having back surgery with the Wild earlier in February, Maroon made his debut for the Bruins on April 13 against the Penguins and played in two regular season games before starting on the fourth line in Game 1 against the Leafs. With over 150 games of playoff experience and three Stanley Cup rings (2019 with Blues, 2020 and 2021 with Lightning) under his belt, Maroon was a valuable addition to the Bruins lineup and helped lead them to victory over their rivals.