The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a tough position heading into Game 6 of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Boston Bruins. After a hard-fought 2-1 overtime victory in Game 5, Toronto managed to cut the series deficit to 3-2, but they are well aware that their battle is far from over.

Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe expressed caution, acknowledging that his team is still locked in a challenging fight. The win in Game 5 may have earned them another day, but there is no room for complacency. Keefe believes they have now grabbed the attention of their opponents, the Boston Bruins.

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery, still seething from the previous game, did not mince his words when discussing his team's performance. He expressed his frustration and disappointment, vowing that the Bruins will be a different team come Game 6. Keefe, aware of the Bruins' veteran leadership, expects nothing but their best performance.

Auston Matthews, who led the NHL in goals during the regular season, remains a question mark for Game 6. Having missed Game 5 due to an undisclosed ailment, Matthews skated individually during practice but no update on his status was provided by Keefe. Other players on the team are aware that they need to step up regardless of Matthews' availability.

One major hurdle for the Maple Leafs is their home playoff record. They have suffered six consecutive home losses since last season's first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. To extend the series to a Game 7, they must break this streak and secure a win on home ice.

Keefe, however, downplayed the significance of playing at home, emphasizing that the team must approach the game with the same mindset, regardless of the venue. He stressed the importance of executing their game plan and following the process in order to secure victory.

The series has seen the road team emerge victorious in four out of the five games played so far, with the Bruins' Game 1 win being the only exception. Boston, keen to avoid a Game 7, is determined to finish the series in Game 6. They faced a similar scenario last season against the Florida Panthers but failed to close out the series in Game 7, suffering an overtime loss.

Toronto forward Calle Jarnkrok praised the team's strong start in Game 5 and highlighted the need to replicate that performance in Game 6. With the series becoming increasingly challenging, Jarnkrok acknowledged that winning the fourth game would be the toughest task yet. The Maple Leafs aim to make things difficult for the Bruins as they fight to stay alive.

As the clock ticks down to Game 6, both teams are gearing up for an intense battle on the ice. The Maple Leafs will be relying on their depth to step up, while the Bruins will be determined to avoid a repeat of last year's Game 7 disappointment. Hockey fans can expect a thrilling showdown as these two teams clash in a do-or-die matchup.