Bruins' HC Joe Sacco shares unfiltered opinion on Boston Bruins-Maple Leafs 'intense' rivalry

The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs have a rich history dating back to the two teams’ Original Six days.

The Bruins-Maple Leafs rivalry has intensified over the years, with the two clubs duking out epic seven-game series in the postseason and memorable tilts during the regular season.

But ahead of Saturday’s latest episode in the Bruins-Maple Leafs rivalry, Boston Interim Head Coach Joe Sacco, a former Leafs player, had this to say about the bad blood between the teams:

“It is intense and always has been. We have played them in the playoffs I don’t know how many times over the last six or seven years. It is always a good matchup against Toronto. Nothing has changed.”

The B’s and the Leafs will be squaring off at Scotiabank Arena in the third of four games between the Atlantic Division rivals. Boston won the first game 4-3 on Oct. 26, with the Leafs taking the second 4-0 on Nov. 5.

Now, Saturday’s matchup is more meaningful in the standings. Here’s what Sacco stated about it:

“They are ahead of us in the standings now. We are trying to climb. There is a lot at stake any time you play these guys. It is a great matchup.”

The Leafs lead the Division with 50 points. The club has a six-point advantage over Boston. As such, Boston hopes to close the gap with a win on Saturday night.

Auston Matthews set to return for Bruins-Maple Leafs matchup

Leafs captain Auston Matthews is set to hit the ice after missing six games with an upper-body injury, the Toronto Sun reports.

Matthews will suit up against Boston in what is shaping up to be one of the most crucial games so far this season.

NHL.com quoted Matthews as stating on Saturday:

“Never fun watching, so I feel excited about being back in. The last couple of skates I’ve had, I’ve felt good. (There has been) positive progress throughout those and I’m feeling confident day by day.”

The captain’s return is great news for the Leafs who have gone 3-3-0 without him. The mixed results this time around come in contrast to the 7-2-0 run the Leafs had during the first nine games they missed Matthews earlier this season.

According to the Sun, Matthews skated with regular linemates Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies at practice. Matthews was also part of the top power play unit.

With Matthews’ return, the Maple Leafs hope to unleash a more balanced attack against the Bruins. A win would put even more separation between Toronto and Boston while helping the Leafs grab a foothold as division leaders.

It remains to be seen if Matthews hits the ground running on Saturday night as the Leafs look to make it two straight over Boston this season.