This was a great game to watch with both teams going back and forth the entire game. The Bolts could just not solve Andersen in the third period as he made some huge stops. As for the Leafs, they responded when the Bolts tried to climb back into things and got some help from Andersen. The Bolts would, unfortunately, fall to the Leafs in this one 4-2, let’s take a look at how we got here period by period.

First Period

The Bolts got off to a fast start as they quickly got into the offensive zone and picked up some shots. The Bolts continued to keep up this pressure and they continued to pick up some more zone time. The Bolts good start would come to a pause though as Nikita Kucherov was called for slashing to give the Leafs the first power play of the game. The Bolts did a fantastic job killing this one off as they consistently jumped the Leafs stealing the puck as soon as they entered. The Bolts then picked things right back up as Miller gave the puck to Stamkos who burst into the zone and nearly put one past Andersen but was turned away. Stamkos did draw a penalty though as Igor Ozhiganov was called for hooking. The Bolts quickly got to work and got a shot in on Andersen, then it was Brayden Point who found the rebound and put it home for a 1-0 lead! The Leafs needed a response and they came at the Bolts hard as Kasperi Kapanen flew in on Vasy to try and slide it past him. Vasy cam up huge though as he stretched his left leg to keep them off the board. The Leafs kept pushing though with Nazem Kadri then finding the rebound and putting it home to tie this game at 1. The Bolts would then put themselves back on the PK as Hedman lifted the puck out of play and would get 2 for delay of game. The Bolts did a great job once again though as they killed the penalty off once again. Both teams would pick up a few more shots as time winded down but we would head into the second tied at 1.

Goals: 1-1

Shots: 10-9 Tampa Bay

Second Period

Toronto would get the first shot o net, but Vasy was ready for it as he made an excellent save in close. The Bolts then picked things back up and got back to maintaining the puck in the offensive zone. The Bolts then got their second chance on the power play as Travis Dermott was called for interference. The Leafs would kill this one off though and we would remain tied a 1. The Bolts kept up the pressure as they got another huge chance as Gourde did a give and go with Stammer but Gourde was robbed by Andersen who stretched to turn him away.  Both teams went back and forth as time went on both looking to take the next lead. The Leafs would then finally breakthrough as they got a chance in close that came out in front to Patrick Marleau who slid the puck into the back of the net for a 2-1 lead. The lead didn’t last long though as Hedman ripped a shot from the point and quickly tied this game at 2. The Leafs had other plans though as they quickly responded as well. Tavares got a pass off to Mitchell Marner who had a wide-open net an made no mistake in making it a 3-2 hockey game. The Bolts would then get a chance to tie things up once again as William Nylander was called for holding. The Bolts would pick up multiple grade-A chances but just could not find the back of the net and time would run out on the man advantage. Time would then run out and the Bolts would head into the final 20 down by 1.

Goals: 3-2 Toronto

Shots: 21-17 Tampa Bay

Third Period

The Leafs would get off to a quick start putting pressure on Vasy early. But the Leafs would soon then head to the penalty kill as Hyman was called for slashing. the Bolts once again got multiple great chances but Andersen had all the Answers as the Leafs killed off the penalty. The Bolts continued the pressure and put shot after shot on net but still couldn’t find the back of the net. Both teams then continued to go back and forth in a very exciting hockey game with Both goaltenders making stops left and right. The Leafs then finally got a chance of their own as they blasted it on the net. The Bolts quickly took back over and marched back down the ice. Vasy then made a stupendous save as the Leafs nearly put this game out of reach. Vasy continued to show his greatness and the Leafs got multiple shots in close and Vasy stretched his pad to make another great save. With time winding down the Bolts would pull Vasy for one last shot. Andersen continued to just memorize fans as he was not about to let anything past him. Toronto would then finally clear the puck and get to the puck to put it in the empty net. Bolts players were livid though as they thought the play should have been blown dead. There was a long discussion by the Officials but the goal would stand, and the Leafs had a 4-2 lead. Toronto then held on to win this one as the horn finally sounded.

Goals: 4-2 Toronto

Shots: 38-31 Tampa Bay

3 Stars