The series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs was destined to go seven games from the puck drop of game one.
With the final game of the series between the Lightning and Maple Leafs just a day away, let’s talk about the two teams.
On one side, we have the two-time defending champions.
The two-time champs at this point have to be playing just to keep things going. Winning twice in a row is hard; winning three times is nearly impossible in the NHL today. Last night’s game was the first time the Lightning were on the brink of elimination in which they couldn’t also end things for their opponent. They have played in a few game sevens the past few years, but they haven’t faced elimination like last night.
The Lightning came out on top, albeit after a few close calls and definitely not their best game of the series. Either way, they kept things going for one final game.
On the other side, not much more needs to be said.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for a win. The last series victory for the Toronto Maple Leafs came in the 2003-04 season against the Ottawa Senators in a game seven. Since then, they have lost seven series, including five straight.
The Auston Matthews era in Toronto has been one filled with shortcomings. Once the postseason occurred, they fell short of that final win more than a few times. With a loss last night, they opened the door to those possibilities happening again.
What Now?
This game will be the biggest game of the season for both teams. Tampa Bay looks like a defending championship team that is a step behind. Maybe a new opponent will change things for them, but for now, it seems like they are not destined to repeat once again.
On the flip side, Toronto needs to play their best game ever on Saturday against Tampa Bay. This is their series to lose at this point. No team has won back-to-back games thus far, and they are the ones that have been pushing the Lightning when they have lost. Toronto’s wins have all been very one-sided games.
It is a shame this series has to end, but thankfully one of these teams will move on and will be one of the favorites to go on another couple of rounds.
All we can do is sit and think of the potential outcomes. Either the Maple Leafs are continuing their doubt of playoff success, or the Lightning are bowing out as champions after being the league’s best team for eight straight series wins.