Prior to facing Boston, the Maple Leafs held media availability around 5:00 p.m., since they did not hold a morning skate following their win 5-4 win over the Sens Wednesday night in Toronto.

James van Riemsdyk and Mike Kostka were asked mostly questions about the B’s and how well they match-up, and had plenty of good words to float the Bruins’ way.

“These are always games that are exciting to play,” said van Riemsdyk, before adding that tonight would definitely will be a good measuring stick for them.

The forward called the B’s a good test because “they’re a big fast physical team” with a team-tough mentality that likes to get in hard on the forecheck.

Another topic of discussion was the fact that Toronto has not won in Boston at TD Garden since March 31, 2011 and lost all six games against the Black & Gold last season.

Defenseman Mike Kostka wasn’t around for the series sweep last season, and said there hasn’t been much talk around the Leafs dressing room, but knows the tough team they’re going up against.

“They’re really stingy in the D-zone,” said Kostka, before adding that the Leafs’ forecheck will need to be on point tonight.

Having some extra toughness on the lineup this season doesn’t hurt, and Kostka added that every game the Leafs are “going in with full confidence that you can go to war” with their lineup.

We’ll leave the battle of toughness “to be continued” until the puck drops at 7 pm…

-Caryn Switaj ^CS