The Toronto Maple Leafs have defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of their first round series.
John Tavares was the hero, along with Ilya Samsonov, as the Toronto Maple Leafs did what they haven’t been able to do for the last twenty years – advance to round two.
The Leafs took an early lead, but Tampa tied it in the third, making things very intense.
Fortunately the captain was able to score on a beautiful individual effort and send the Leafs to round two.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning in OT
There is probably a lot to analyze but right now its best just to savour the victory,
The Toronto Maple Leafs won three games in Tampa, three games in overtime, and overcame a Bunting suspension and several of Sheldon Keefe horrible decisions to pull out a victory.
Ironically, the Leafs were more dominant last year against Tampa when they failed to win, but that’s just how hockey goes.
The Leafs went to overtime and lost in both of the last two year’s game sixes. In both of those games they were the best team, but failed to win. This time, the odds were on their side and they finally got it down.
Auston Matthews scored for the fourth straight game, and had five goals in six games.
Luke Schenn came out of nowhere to be amazing. Probably due to Morgan Rielly’s amazing performance, but still, impressive.
Matthew Knies had a large impact in the series, as did celebrated deadline additions Acciari, O’Reilly and McCabe.
But most of all, it was Ilya Samsonov. He let in a terrible goal that really cost the Leafs in game 5, but tonight he was perfect. The only goal he allowed was a defensive blunder by Knies/Gustufsson where Stamkos had an open net on a rebound.
Other than that, the Toronto Maple Leafs goalie was perfect. He did what Freddie Anderson and Jack Campbell were unable to do, which is outplay a hall-of-fame goalie to get the victory,
The Toronto Maple Leafs may or may not go on to win the Stanley Cup, but this victory takes so much pressure off them, Everything from here on out is gravy.
It’s been twenty years, and the losing only makes winning all the sweeter. Auston Matthews is well on his way to a Conn Smythe and the Leafs will play either Florida or Boston sometime next week.
For now, just enjoy the glorious victory,