Sheldon Keefe has been head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs for over 100 games and yet tonight will mark the very first time that he finds himself behind the bench in a game against the Boston Bruins. What a strange few years it’s been.

Despite the fact that these two teams haven’t played each other since November 15, 2019, the flame of this Atlantic rivalry has not stopped burning, at least not for Leafs fans who still see the Bruins as the dragon that might be slain en route to elusive post season success. Having won four games in a row, Toronto is looking to keep up the momentum and help the fanbase continue to forget about the early slump that had many people hitting the panic button on the season just a month in. While this recent string of success has helped to quell the frustrations of many in Leafs Nation, it has lead to others asking why the team can’t look this dominant all the time.

As the Amazon documentary showcased, the team’s management knows that Toronto’s biggest weakness is their own mindset, often seeming like they don’t care or aren’t willing to work hard for a win when it matters most. A big prove it win against the rival Bruins, the biggest thorn in the Maple Leafs’ side for the past decade, would help show that this team mean’s business and isn’t going to get pushed around like so many past Leafs teams. It may be game 12 of the season, but the narrative around the squad’s work ethic could drastically shift if everyone shows up like it’s game 7.

After a dominant win against the Golden Knights, and a brilliant comeback against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Leafs have a chance to close out a three game stretch against some of the league’s best teams with 6/6 points.