Toronto and Boston would admit that the starts of their seasons have been subpar, but that could change with a win on Saturday night.
The last time the Toronto Maple Leafs travelled to Boston, they fought for their playoff lives.
This time, Toronto is heading to TD Garden in an attempt to claw their way back after two massive losses, where they were outscored 11-3 against the Columbus Blue Jackets (6-2) and St. Louis Blues (5-1).
And they're trying to do so with the Game 7 overtime loss tucked away in the back of their mind.
"It's always a physical, emotional game out there, and especially in Boston. We know we need to have a good response and have a good start tomorrow," Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said on Friday, "and make sure that everybody's on the same page and just ready to compete and work and get back to what was making us successful the previous six games."
Toronto began the season with three wins in the first four games. They defeated former head coach Sheldon Keefe and the New Jersey Devils 4-2. The same scoreline occurred two nights later against former GM Kyle Dubas' Pittsburgh Penguins.
After a 6-2 loss at home to the LA Kings and a 4-1 defeat to the Rangers, the Maple Leafs put up arguably their most complete performance in a long time, winning 5-2 against the divisional rival Tampa Bay Lightning.
However, their production fell off a cliff after that in the two games against the Blue Jackets and Blues. And now, they have to go into one of the most raucous buildings in the NHL to get their season back on track.
"Yeah, certainly ramped up emotions, especially given the last couple games. I think that's more of a focus than the last year," Jake McCabe said on Friday. "Just getting this season back on the right track here."
Four teams in the NHL's Atlantic Division, including the Maple Leafs, have eight points. Boston is right behind them with seven. Both teams are struggling right now and understand that, even with how Game 7 ended, the now is the most important.
"It's a big hockey game. It's another hockey game. I mean, we're not happy with our hockey right now," Marner said on Friday afternoon.
"We've gotta turn it around or else it's going to be ugly."