May 13, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Joffrey Lupul (19) and defenseman John-Michael Liles (24) console goalie James Reimer (34) after being defeated by the Boston Bruins 5-4 in overtime in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

I honestly do not know what to say. Let’s start with addressing those who said the Toronto Maple Leafs choked. The only way I would be more proud of the Leafs is if they won. They took on the Boston Bruins, a team that they struggled against in the regular season, and forced them into a not only a game 7 but a game 7 that went into overtime. Losing 5-0 in game 7 is choking not losing in overtime.

I have to hand it to the Bruins they came at the Leafs with everything they had. It is really easy to give up when you are down 4-1 but the Bruins didn’t do that. They stepped up to tie the game and when they did the fans were convinced they won and started throwing their towels on the ice. I really thought the Hockey Gods would get them for that but I was wrong.

The stars of this series were Tuukka Rask and James Reimer. Without these two neither team would have made it as far as they did. The most heartbreaking part of the loss was seeing Reimer lying on the ice after his save attempt staring at the puck in the back of his net. He deserves no blame for the loss.

As far as going forward the Bruins need to focus on the New York Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist is a far better goalie than Reimer and the Bruins will need to step up their offence if they are going to make it through. As for the Leafs they need to focus on getting a few key pieces that will help them make it farther next season.

What do you think the Leafs and Bruins need to do going forward? Share your thoughts in the comment box below, on facebook, on twitter (@kcapp22 or @TMMotS), or by email (tmmots@yahoo.ca).

May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Joe Colborne (32) controls the puck against the Boston Bruins during game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

With Tyler Bozak out in game 6 for a moment even I thought it was all over for the Leafs but Joe Colborne and Nazem Kadri stepped up as centers and Jay McClement was a force to be reckoned with in the faceoff dot. James Reimer also stepped up and made some game-changing saves. If the Leafs win the game tonight Reimer will definitely be the hero of the series.

The Boston Bruins are not going to give up without a fight though. Heading into the TD Garden tonight will not be an easy thing to do for the Leafs. Plus there is no telling which Boston team shows up tonight, Bruins coach Claude Julien had this to say last night:

“We’ve been a Jekyll-and-Hyde hockey team all year and that’s what you’re seeing right now,” he said. “I think it’s important to us to bring the good Bruins team to the table for Game 7.”

As I have said before I am a Leaf fan so I have to give this series to them, but this really is anyone’s game. Who do you think takes the game and the series?