"Pathetic defense and undisciplined penalties": NHL fans react to Toronto Maple Leafs' 5-1 loss to Boston Bruins in Game 1 of Stanley Cup playoffs

Toronto Maple Leafs fans were disappointed with how their team performed against the Boston Bruins in Game 1 of the playoff series at TD Garden.

The Maple Leafs began their playoff journey with a tough 5-1 loss to the Bruins. Even though the Leafs had more shots on goal, 12 more than Boston's 24, they only managed to score once past Jeremy Swayman.

The Toronto Maple Leafs struggled on defense throughout the game and gave up 12 penalty minutes. Consequently, Boston capitalized on the opportunity and scored twice on the power play due to the penalties conceded by the Leafs during the game.

Reacting to the defeat, one Toronto Maple Leafs fan on X said:

"Pathetic defense and undisciplined penalties just blew the tires. Will they ever learn that it is playoffs?"

Another user chimed in:

"What do you expect when you have 4 forwards making ridiculous money lol"

"Game 2: No more Samsonov, put in Woll or Jones (Jones is better due to experience). If healthy, put in Nylander; also put in TJ Brodie as the Leafs need more experienced defense out there. And for the love of God, don't try to be overly physical," one fan posted.

Another fan gave in their two pence:

"omg we're still losing to this team in the playoffs man literally since I was 8 years old"

Other fans posted memes to cope with the loss:

Boston Bruins took down Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1

On Saturday, the Bruins secured a resounding 5-1 win over the Maple Leafs in Game 1 of their playoff series. With this win, the Bruins lead the seven-game series 1-0.

John Beecher gave Boston a head start after converting Jesper Boqvist's pass into the back of Toronto's net while on a 2-on-1 rush at 2:26 of the first period.

At 5:47 of the second period, Brando Carlo extended the home team's lead to 2-0 as he finished off a pass from Jake DeBrusk below the goal line for a one-timer.

At 15:02, DeBrusk gave the Bruins a 3-0 cushion by beating Ilya Samsonov with a wrist shot above the right faceoff circle for a powerplay goal. DeBrusk scored his second of the night, again coming via a powerplay, as he smuggled a pass from Brad Marchand from the top of the crease to make it 4-0 at 17:34.

The Bruins led the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 before heading into the final period. However, at 1:39 of the third period, David Kampf scored to cut the Bruins' lead to 4-1 after Dewar grabbed a rebound and fed Kampf, for a quick shot from the slot.

Trent Frederic then scored an empty-net goal at 17:52 to secure a commanding 5-1 win for the Boston Bruins. DeBrusk accumulated two points, while Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy notched up two points apiece on the night. Jeremy Swayman stood strong between the pipes and ended the contest with 35 saves.

Game 2 between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs takes place on Monday at TD Garden.