The Tampa Bay pursuit of a third consecutive Stanley Cup is continuing after the LightningThe top of the Toronto Maple LeafsThey won 2-1 in Game 7 on Saturday night of their first round playoff series.
Third-line centre Nick PaulThe, an in season acquisition from the Ottawa SenatorsTampa Bay won the game with a win by a score of. Morgan RiellyToronto had the only marker.
Tampa Bay now faces the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Florida PanthersThe second round will feature a rematch last year’s first-round match.
After leading the series 3-2 in Game 5, Toronto had two opportunities to send Tampa Bay packing. The Leafs lost both of their chances to send Tampa Bay packing after leading the series 3-2 following Game 5. They are now 0-5 in the last five games, and have an opportunity to win a game.
Since 2019, Tampa Bay hasn’t lost a first round series. They won the Presidents Trophy in the regular season, but were swept by Columbus in four games. They responded by going on back to back Stanley Cup runs.
The series against Toronto proved to be a difficult one, with many pivotal moments. After four close games, the Lightning and Leafs had a split win record. Toronto took Game 5 with a dramatic come-from-behind victory. Tampa secured victory in Game 6 by winning 4-3 overtime, the only game of the series that required extra-time.
Although the Maple Leafs leapt all over Tampa Bay in an attempt to get ahead, they couldn’t make it past the rock-solid foundation. Andrei Vasilevskiy. Lightning center was still at 0-0. Brayden PointHis right leg became a splint when he went sliding onto the boards. Point felt immediate pain and couldn’t put weight on his leg while he was taken off the ice.
Brayden Point left in the second period. He had slipped into the boards with one leg bent under and was late to the game. Lightning’s second line center had to be lifted from the ice. The leg couldn’t bear any weight.
Tampa Bay responded with the game’s opening goal by Paul, who scored on a rebound. Jack CampbellTampa was given a 1-0 lead by’s pad after the first period.
Point surprised everyone by returning with Tampa for Tampa’s second. Point was unable to complete the first shift, and then hunched over on the bench in pain. Point would continue playing the rest of the night.
The Leafs began to solve Vasilevskiy’s problem. Toronto believed it had the tie goal. John TavaresHe scored after Tampa’s defense was outflanked, but the goal was canceled due to interference. Justin HollPrior to Tavares’ score.
The Leafs tied the game at 1-1 when Rielly scored.
Paul lit the lamp for Tampa Bay again in no time, using a clever move through the Leafs defense and a shot past Campbell.
Toronto was down 2-1 by the end of the third. Paul then went after Campbell and knocked him out. Campbell fell, but tried to shake off what appeared like a leg injury. Campbell remained in place after running around the circle to check the leg. The play was unaffected by goalie interference. Campbell ended the game with 23 saves.
Tampa was under pressure from the Maple Leafs until the final, but they couldn’t find an equalizer. Vasilevskiy closed the door with a 30-save performance.