The Toronto Maple Leafs look to prevent history from repeating itself (again) when they open their Eastern Conference first-round series against the host Boston Bruins on Thursday. The Maple Leafs lost in seven games to their Original Six rivals in a spirited first-round set in 2018, five years removed from a demoralizing Game 7 loss in which they squandered a three-goal lead in the third period.

The Washington Capitals had a lengthy history of underacheiving in the postseason, a reputation they finally put to rest by claiming their first Stanley Cup championship last season. The Capitals are confident they can win back-to-back titles, a journey that starts with Thursday night's Eastern Conference first-round series opener versus the visiting Carolina Hurricanes.

The Calgary Flames have posted only two 50-win seasons and the first time, which occurred 30 years ago, ended with the team hoisting the Stanley Cup. The Flames would like to see history repeat itself as they enter the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and will host the Colorado Avalanche in Thursday night's opener of their first-round series.