The Lightning have lost both games at Amalie Arena in overtime, 4-3 in Game 3 and 5-4 in Game 4. The home team has won one game in the series, a 7-2 Maple Leafs victory in Game 2. Don't be surprised if Timothy Liljegren replaces him and makes his first appearance in the series. With the Maple Leafs forecheck generally ineffective, Bunting's feistiness and physicality is something they could use, provided he doesn't cross the line again.Īnother intriguing decision could revolve around defense, where Justin Holl has been on the ice for 14 goals-against, nine at 5-on-5.
The forward, who was suspended three games for an illegal hit to the head of Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak in Game 1, was a healthy scratch in Game 5, the first game he was eligible to return. He refused to elaborate further, but there are signs as to what might happen.įirst off, Michael Bunting is a candidate to play. Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe was elusive about his lineup, saying there would be game-time decisions. The Lightning are 4-5 (.444) when trailing 3-2 in a series, 2-4 (.333) when opening on the road.
The Maple Leafs in that scenario are 19-8 (.704), 11-3 (.786) when starting at home. Teams that lead 3-2 are 341-94 (.784) winning a best-of-7 series in the playoffs, including 7-4 last season. It's a privilege to be a part of, and if you can't have fun doing it, you shouldn't be doing it." This is why you do it, and when it's all said and done, you're out there, the crowd, and then you get laser-focused on the game. "And if you're in a competitive arena, I don't know, it's like a rush. "It's fun to be a part of this," coach Jon Cooper said. It's win or go home again for a team that has won 11 of its past 12 playoff series, the Stanley Cup in 20, and has been to the Stanley Cup Final three consecutive times. There is no wiggle room for the Lightning. These are the challenges you look forward to." This is the time of year you should enjoy. For forward Ryan O'Reilly, it's an opportunity that should be embraced.
They still lead the best-of-7 series 3-2. The Maple Leafs are 0-10 in the Auston Matthews-Mitchell Marner-William Nylander-Morgan Reilly era with a chance to eliminate an opponent dating back to 2016. Toronto had an opportunity in Game 5 on Thursday but lost 4-2 on home ice. TAMPA - The Toronto Maple Leafs will once again attempt to win their first Stanley Cup Playoff series in 19 years when they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Saturday.
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