BEDFORD — The Boston Bruins are getting some of the finest goaltending in the Stanley Cup playoffs and all they have to show for it is a Game 7 showdown against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night (8) at the TD Garden.

The Maple Leafs trailed the series 3-1 but staved off elimination with a 2-1 victory in overtime in Game 5 on Tuesday night at the TD Garden. Toronto evened the series 3-3 with a 2-1 victory on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena.

Bruins’ goaltender Jeremy Swayman was outstanding in both losses and he, along with Linus Ulmark, have combined for the highest save percentage in the playoffs. The Bruins top the charts with a .940 save percentage, slightly ahead of the New York Rangers (.931), who swept the Washington Capitals in their opening round series.

“Both goalies have (played well), but especially Swayman because he has played the majority of the games and has been tremendous,” said Montgomery, after the team’s arrival on Friday afternoon at Hanscom Field.

“We need everybody to be more like Jeremy Swayman. He’s in the moment, he’s owned the moment and he is relishing being a difference maker.”

The Rangers and the Bruins flip flop in goals against average. The Rangers lead the way with a 1.75 goals against average in four games while the Bruins are second at 1.82 in six matches.

With good goaltending typically the defining barometer of playoff success, the Bruins should be in a better place than coming home for a Game 7 with all the momentum favoring the rejuvenated Maple Leafs.

Montgomery did not disclose any lineup changes for Game 7 but he indicated Swayman deserved to make his sixth start against the Maple Leafs.

“When you get an opportunity to play in a Game 7 whether you are a Celtics fans or a Red Sox fan, you think about the opportunity to play in a Game 7 and be a difference maker,” said Montgomery. “I’m getting goose bumps right now just talking about him (Swayman) and that is the attitude we have to have.”

The Maple Leafs’ resurgence is also based on exceptional goaltending but from a surprising source. Toronto backup Joseph Wall supplanted starter Ilya Samsonov in Game 4 and was lights out in the next two starts.

Woll leads all playoff goalies with 0.86 goals against average, followed by Swayman at 1.60. Woll tops the leaderboard with a .964 save percentage, followed by Swayman at .947. In four starts, Samsonov registered a 3.31 goals against average and a .883 save percentage.

The Bruins have been analyzing Woll over two straight starts, searching for flaws in his mechanics and determining the best ways to break him down. The Maple Leafs have provided a force field for Woll, packing it down between the circles and the low slot, making it harder for the Bruins to get pucks through the congestion.

“We have to get bodies in front of the net and if you ask any goalie, no goalie likes traffic,” said Bruins’ center Charlie Coyle. “We have to get traffic there and they are doing a good in front of him and he is playing great.

“To their credit, they are playing well in front of him packing it in and making it tough to get shots through. We have to spread them out somehow and find ways to do that and get to the net. We need to fight for our space in there and work for that and get to the net.

“It’s the same old simple cliché that we say, but that’s how you do it with second and third and fourth efforts. That’s the mindset you have to have when a goalie is playing well. You get traffic in front of him and take away his eyes and good things will happen when you go to the net.”

Winning draws

The Bruins’ deficiencies in the faceoff circle in Game 6 were emblematic of their problems in this decisive area throughout the series.

The Bruins won 20-of-54 for a 37% success rate and 14-of-48 (31%) at even strength. Coyle was the only Bruins player with a positive ratio, winning 8-of-15. Pavel Zacha won just 1-of-10.

The Maple Leafs won 34-of-54 for a 63% success rate and 33-of-48 (69%) at even strength. Topping the Leafs was center John Tavares, who won 15-of-23, with David Kampf and Mitch Marner winning seven apiece.

“We can always be better there and it starts with the centermen,” said Coyle. “You have your wingers there to help, too, and that’s the first battle of any shift.

“We have to take a little more initiative to win those and fight for those and tie up if we have to. It’s all five guys out there at that point but the centermen have to take ownership there and really battle. They do a good job of that in their faceoffs and that is one area we can definitely get better.”

Motivating Pasta

Montgomery called out right wing David Pastrnak after Game 6 for not producing on the ice. Pastrnak logged 19:58 minutes and 29 shifts, the most by a Bruins forward, and came away with three shots, six hits and a penalty.

“I talked to him right after the game about it and I talked to him about it during the game,” said Montgomery. “Pasta and I have a real healthy communicative relationship and he’s ready to go.”

Connecticut may be a small state, but there is a ton of stunning natural scenery. From rivers and lakes to mountains and stretches of forests, Connecticut is brimming with natural beauty. One of the best places to enjoy the serenity that nature in Connecticut offers is in the state’s small towns. In small towns such as Kent, you can enjoy rugged, beautiful landscapes with waterfalls while immersed in local history. In Essex, you can see a town so charming it inspired the hometown in the television show Gilmore Girls. From historic buildings to a walk on the riverside, the small towns in Connecticut are undeniably scenic destinations. Here, we will explore the top six scenic small towns in the Green State.

Kent

Kent is a quiet town with a population of under 3,000. However, despite its small size, Kent is a scenic place. Being near two state parks, the town is full of ruggedly beautiful scenery. Some of the state’s best waterfalls are at Kent Falls State Park. Here, you can see waterfalls and covered bridges and explore miles of trails. Kent is also near Macedonia Brook State Park and the East Kent Hamlet Land Trust. These are both great places to enjoy a stroll through amazing natural scenery. Besides the natural scenery, Kent has some interesting history to explore. Visit the Kent Historical Society to learn more about the town’s history. Eric Sloane Museum is another historic site where visitors can see the artist’s work. The historic site contains his collection of early American tools, his artworks, his pioneer cabin, and the remains of the Kent Iron Furnace. This is significant since they are some of the first ironworks in the state.

Chester

Another scenic Connecticut town that attracted artists is Chester. Built in the hills on the side of the Connecticut River, Chester is a mix of forests, rivers, and historic sites. Near the town, there are wonderful natural sites to enjoy, including Cockaponset State Forest and the Selden Neck State Park. Both spots are great places to enjoy hiking, cycling, or camping. One of the must-visit attractions in town is Gillette Castle State Park. The medieval-style castle in the park is a stunning architectural attraction. There are trails to enjoy and amazing picnic spots to enjoy some lunch. For a unique experience, take the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry to reach the castle. Here, you will get a stunning view of the castle from the water. Another historic building to enjoy in Chester is the Goodspeed Opera House. The venue dates back to 1877 and is a great place to enjoy a local show today.

Essex

Just ten minutes outside Chester is another scenic Connecticut town, Essex. The cute town is recognizable as the location that may have inspired the famous Stars Hollow town in Gilmore Girls. Stepping into Essex is like stepping into the past. The town has an enduring historic charm, with old farmhouses from the Revolutionary War and other historic buildings. The First Baptist Church of Essex is a popular spot to visit. It is one of three Egyptian Revival churches built in the entire United States. Those looking for an old-timey feel should pay a visit to the Essex Steam Train. The original 19th-century railway locomotive gives a nostalgic tour of the area. Learn more about the history of the area by visiting the Connecticut River Museum. Here, enjoy the lovely view of the water and learn about Native American history, the river, and the local ecosystem. You can also appreciate the riverfront views in Essex by walking on the harbor. There are some nice photo opportunities at the harbor next to the cute little Essex Reef Lighthouse.

Chaplin

Chaplin is a quaint town with a population of under 2,500 residents. The town is a close-knit community with lovely historic buildings and natural places. Two notable places to visit in town are the Chaplin Historic District and Witter House. The Georgian architecture in these spots is from the 19th century and is something to admire. These are also great spots to learn more about the town’s history. One of the most scenic aspects of Chaplin is the rural nature of the town. There are many forested areas to explore. Some of the most popular include Diana’s Pool and James L. Goodwin Forest.

Cornwall

Those going to Connecticut for the mountains should pay a visit to Cornwall. The town has a hidden gem, one of the last covered bridges in the state. The West Cornwall Covered Bridge is 172 feet long and 15 feet wide and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond the bridge, people come to Cornwall to experience the area’s green scenery. Full of mountains and forests, Cornwall is a hiker’s haven. A popular hike to do in town is the Pine Knob Loop Trail. Located in Housatonic Meadows State Park and Housatonic State Forest, the short hike is challenging, with rewarding mountain views. The Housatonic River has a section that runs through Cornwall. Paddling, fishing, and hiking are popular activities around the river.

Madison

Another town with stunning outdoor scenery in Connecticut is Madison. Madison is a beachside town near Long Island Sound. There is plenty to do in town to enjoy the scenery, including fishing, surfing, hiking, and picnicking. The Shoreline Greenway Trail is a popular place to enjoy a walk with shoreside views. Madison is near plenty of beaches, including Hammonasset Beach State Park, Surf Club Beach, East Wharf, and West Wharf. To explore and learn about nature in town, check out Meigs Point Nature Center. Those who are more interested in staying inside can still enjoy the town. The downtown has several cute shops to explore, including boutiques, bookshops, and restaurants. Movie lovers should check out the Madison Art Cinema. The local theater dates back to 1912 and is independently run. The interior of the theater is uniquely designed with a stunning color scheme of aquamarine, antique gold, and a tone of red.

Ultimately, these six small towns are some of the most scenic in Connecticut. Many of the towns have a mix of stunning natural scenery and unique historic architecture to admire. While all these towns have beautiful natural scenery, they are all quite different. Some of the towns, such as Cornwall, showcase the mighty Connecticut mountains. Others, such as Madison, show the relaxed, beachy environment the state can have. Chester, on the other hand, is a balance of natural beauty and architectural marvel. Overall, these towns all offer a unique experience of the state.