It was a grueling game on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, between the Toronto Maple Leafs vs the Tampa Bay Lightning in what was a series preview of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. From what was seen in the game, it will be a great series to watch.
For the most part, the Toronto Maple Leafs did not mind taking eight penalties in a game to muster out the win, however, during the playoffs, the Lightning may not be that overwhelmingly friendly, as Tampa Bay went zero for eight on their power play chances.
The Toronto Maple Leafs scored twice on their power play opportunities.
What is to be expected by the Maple Leafs and Lightning in the playoffs?
The gameplay was fast and exciting with a lot of physicality at both ends of the ice, which proved to be the game-changer for the Toronto Maple Leafs. A scrap between Luke Schenn and Pat Maroon shifted the course of the game late in the first period. The defenseman also scored a goal for the Leafs.
The Leafs did win the game, however, the effort both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning put forth in this contest was no less than brilliant. After observing this game, the fans will be in for a big treat of competitiveness and aggressive gameplay in this series.
For some, this may be the defining mark of the Toronto Maple Leafs because of the course of the season, with forward Ryan O’Reilly contributing with a goal and forward Matt Knies getting his first point in the pros in the same play of action.
Tampa, on the other hand, had more scoring opportunities and is still capable of their ruthless stick-handling along with passing, which is complemented by the skating ability of the Lightning team.
To say they will not capitalize on this kind of gameplay in the playoffs is an underestimation in my opinion.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were the better team Tuesday evening, but the Tampa Bay Lightning are still a threat to contend against, and I will reiterate that this battle is far from the end.