The Thunder Storm Looks to Blow the Leafs Away

By Jake Ricker

Overview

Tonight it’s the Tampa Bay Lightning (49-19-4) taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs (43-22-7). The Bolts will look to continue their success after playoff-clinching night against the Oilers, while the Leafs will look to get their 5th win in a row. This will be the 4th time these two teams face off with the first meeting ending in a 2-0 Lightning shutout victory, the second in a 4-3 Toronto victory, and the last one ending in a 4-3 Lightning shootout victory. The Bolts will look to take a 3-1 series win while the Leafs will look even the series at 2 a piece. Let’s take a look at the game plan for these two teams as they get set to square off.

 

Tampa’s Outlook and Past

The Bolts have won 3 of their last 5 games scoring 15 goals over that span. Tonight should have a playoff atmosphere so the Bolts will need to be on their toes for a full 60 min. The Bolts are currently ranked 2nd in the league in power play percentage (24.0%). They will look to continue that success tonight despite facing the Leafs who have the 9th best PK in the NHL (82.3%). This is the last game of an 8 game homestand for the Bolts before they head back onto the road. They will look to pull within 2 points of the Preds for the top spot in the league with a win tonight.

Three Keys To The Game

1.Have Some Fun

Going against Toronto is always a hyped game and much on the line now with this close divisional race for top dog. Relax and have some fun on the ice. Play Lightning hockey.

2. Set the Tone

Falling behind early and chasing the game is no key to success. Against a talented Maple Leafs squad, come out fast and strong and control the game early.

3. Game, Set, Match

Playing a full 60 minutes is key. This is the final game of the homestand, end it with a bang. See it through and get ready for playoff hockey. Play all 3 periods and get 2 points for the fans!

Projected Lines

Offense 

Miller – Stamkos – Kucherov

Palat – Point – Johnson

Killorn – Gourde – Erne

Kunitz – Cirelli – Callahan

Defense

Hedman – Stralman

McDonagh – Girardi

Coburn – Sergachev

Goalies

Andrei Vasilevskiy: 40-14-3 GAA: 2.53  SV%: .922 (Confirmed)

Injuries

Peter Budaj (IR)

 

Toronto’s Outlook and Past

The Leafs have been playing their best hockey of the year so far and will look to continue that tonight, as they get closer to clinching. The Leafs have won 4 of their last 5 games scoring 23 goals over that span. The Leafs are ranked 4th in PP percentage (22.9%) and will look to use that to their advantage as they take on the Bolts who are ranked 26th (76.8%) in the PK department. The Leafs will have one more road game after tonight before they head back home for a 3 game homestand. The Leafs will look to pull with 4 points of the 2nd place Bruins (Atlantic division) with a win tonight.

Three Keys To The Game

1. Playoff Intensity

This could very well be a playoff matchup so expect the intensity to be high and for both teams to play a full 60 min.

2. Next Man Up

Injuries are starting to pile up on the Leafs, they will need their rookies to step up as they look to clinch a playoff berth.

3.  Score First  

Tonight is the final game of an 8 game homestand for the Bolts so Amalie should be hopping. Get on the board first and shut the crowd down

Projected Lines

Offense 

Marleau – Kadri – Marner

Hyman – Nylander – Johnsson

Van Riemsdyk – Bozak – Brown

Leivo – Plekanec – Kapanen

Defense

Rielly – Hainsey

Gardiner – Polak

Dermott – Carrick

Goalies

Frederik Andersen 33-18-5  GAA: 2.79   SV%: .919 (Confirmed)

Injuries

Austin Matthews (Day to Day)

Joffrey Lupul (Out Indefinitely)

Leo Komarov (Day to Day)

Nathan Horton (Out Indefinitely)

Nikita Zaitsev (Day to Day)