The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning last night in a decisive victory.
In what could be a preview of an intense playoff series between the two sides, the Toronto Maple Leafs got the train back on the tracks with a huge win over the NHL’s top team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The 4-2 result showed just how talented both teams were, with the goalies in both creases having to make spectacular save after spectacular save to keep their team in the game. In the end it was Frederik Andersen winning the duel against Andrei Vasilevskiy with help from the high-powered Maple Leafs offense.
The win pushes the Leafs to the 60-point milestone (29-15-2), still behind the Lightning by a massive 14 points, but keeps them one point ahead of the Boston Bruins and three points ahead of the Montreal Canadiens.
In the end, the Leafs controlled 52% of the play, had 58% of the shots, and almost 70% of the scoring chances.
Marner and Marleau Lead The Charge
After the frustrating loss to the Colorado Avalanche, all eyes would be on the Leafs to see how they respond to the boos that rained down on them on Tuesday night.
In this one it was Mitch Marner and Patrick Marleau who took the lead. Marner recorded his 19th goal of the season and his 60th point overall along with a 7.6% relative Corsi. He is the first player in Toronto Maple Leafs history to begin his career with three consecutive 60 point seasons. His 60th point also earned him a $212,500 bonus, with another $212,500 coming for when he scores his 20th goal.
Marleau bagged a goal and an assist, his 11th goal and 11th assist of the season, snapping a nine game pointless streak. His 22 points now has him on a pace for just below 40 points, which may not sound great considering AAV ($6.25 million) but sometimes a player is worth more to a team than his points, and in this case Marleau’s experience has helped the younger Leafs grow as players.
Elsewhere in the lineup, boo magnet Jake Gardiner had a quiet game but posted a solid 13.6% relative Corsi and four hits. With Gardiner on the ice, the Leafs were in complete control – 60% possession, almost 70% of the shots, 80% of the scoring chances and they outscored TB 1-0.
Gardiner also led the Leafs in 5v5 ice time.
Nazem Kadri scored his tenth goal of the season, ending his own ten-game goal drought. John Tavares nabbed his 23rd assist of the season, moving him to 52 points for the year. The penalty kill went four for four, stifling the Lightning offense and building momentum for the Leafs. And last but certainly not least, Nikita Zaitsev had a two point game! His first regular season multi-point game since October 9th 2017 against the Chicago Blackhawks!
Freddy The Menace
So yes, the Leafs looked like a complete team last night, but it was Frederik Andersen who stole the show, and the game for that matter. His 36 saves were the foundation the Leafs needed to escape Amalie Arena with a much-needed two points.
The win brings him to 21-10-1 on the year with a 2.53 GAA and .923 SV%. The Leafs needed Andersen to show up and be the Vezina calibre goalie that his teammates and fans know he can be, and he knocked it out of the park last night.
When Andersen is on top of his game, the Leafs have the best opportunity to steal points in the standings, and hopefully he stays in top form as the league approaches the All-Star break.
Next Up: The Sunshine State Road Trip Continues
This was arguably the biggest win the Toronto Maple Leafs have had since the overtime win in Buffalo back in December, and the Leafs should enjoy this feeling for as long as they can. They need to take the positives from this game and transfer them to their play tonight, when they take on the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center tonight in Sunrise.
The last time these teams met was back on December 20th, when the Leafs smacked the Panthers around the ice in a 6-1 blowout at Scotiabank Arena. Hopefully the Leafs can bring the same level of play tonight against their divisional foe.
stat from naturalstattrick.com