"The Bruins are for real" - Boston dominates the Maple Leafs in key division matchup

In their final game before the NHL All-Star break, the Boston Bruins took care of business last night in Toronto. In what was considered a key matchup in the Atlantic Division, the first-placed Bruins dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto.

Boston widened the gap between them and the Maple Leafs, defeating their division rival 5-2, snapping a three-game losing streak. With the victory, Boston's record improved to 39-7-5, giving them a 13-point lead over the Maple Leafs for the Atlantic Division crown.

"The Bruins weren't fretting over their three-game slide. But a road win against a team like Toronto has to feel good going into the All-Star break. Boston beats the Leafs, 5-2." - Conor Ryan

Ailish Forfar of "The Fan Morning Show with Ailish and Justin" noticed a glaring difference between Boston and Toronto throughout the game:

"The Bruins are for real. The Maple Leafs ran into a team that has a gap in the standings and the gap in there. They are a team, they make up their depth, the goaltending, wherever you wanna put it."

“We’re right there. But the difference between being right there and winning the game... that’s significant.” The Maple Leafs won't face another playoff-positioned team till Feb. 24. So, yes, we're using their loss to Boston as a measuring stick:" - Luke Fox

While the loss could ultimately affect Toronto's seeding entering the playoffs, Maple Leafs fans can breathe easier knowing the loss came with superstar Auston Matthews sidelined. He should return from injury soon after the All-Star break following a knee sprain he suffered in late January.

A look at the Boston Bruins incredible season so far

Not only is Boston sitting in first place in the Atlantic Division, but their 83 points also have them sitting on top of the entire NHL. The closest team in the overall standings is the Carolina Hurricanes, who have 76 points and a 34-9-8 record in the Metropolitan Division.

From top to bottom, Boston's roster has been producing at elite levels all season. Twenty-nine-year-old Swedish goalie Linus Ullmark is enjoying the best season of his career, posting a 26-4 record and has allowed only an average of 1.90 goals.

Ullmark currently leads the NHL in goals against average, saves percentage and wins. If he can maintain this level of play, he will certainly win his first career Vezina Trophy as the league's top goalie.

"Linus Ullmark becomes the fastest goalie to 25 wins in the history of the NHL. #NHL #NHLBruins" - Andrew Raycroft

Superstar David Pastrnak also ranks among the league leaders, sitting second in goals scored with 38, and third in total points with 72 behind only Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.