The Toronto Maple Leafs Recent Game 1 History

2021 Round 1: vs Montreal Canadiens

This game is another one many will want to forget. Not only did the Leafs lose a game they probably should've won, but John Tavares also got injured early in this game, knocking him out for the entire series.

The Leafs lost this game 2-1, with the lone goal coming from William Nylander. The Leafs went on to win the next three games in a row but ultimately lost the series in seven games.

2022 Round 1: vs Tampa Bay Lightning

After losing 4/5 game 1s in the Matthews-Marner era, the Leafs were looking to right the ship against the then back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Leafs blew the Lightning out of the water in this one, and I was lucky enough to see it live in person.

In one of the most electric games that Scotiabank Arena has ever seen, the Leafs won 5-0. Jake Muzzin opened the scoring, Auston Matthews scored twice, and Jack Campbell recorded the shutout.

The Leafs were oh so close from winning this series, but ultimately lost in seven games.

2023 Round 1: vs Tampa Bay Lightning

In another series vs the Lightning, this game 1 unfortunately was not as successful as the previous year's.

The Leafs got whacked 7-3 on home ice, and many fans anticipated another first round exit.

However, the Leafs went on to win three games in a row, and clinched the series in game six on the road. Captain John Tavares scored the winner in overtime, and the Leafs advanced to the second round for the first time since 2004.