The Tampa Bay Lightning lost 6-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday night. Prior to the game, Tampa Bay was tied in points for second in the division. With the loss, the Bolts dropped to the first wild card spot. For Toronto, however, Auston Matthews had a night, giving Toronto sole possession of second in the Atlantic division.
Game Recap
Toronto did not want to wait to get on the scoreboard as two minutes into the game, they scored. Pierre Engvall had the tally, with Kampf on the assist. Around four minutes later, Simmonds and Maroon each received misconduct penalties for chirping at each other. 6:24 into the first, Kucherov tied the game at one a piece, off of Stamkos’ 45th assist of the season. To end the period, each team went up a man but could not score leaving the game tied.
Once again, Toronto did not take long to score at the beginning of the period. 1:46 in, Auston Matthews scored for a 2-1 Leafs lead. Four minutes later, Jan Rutta tied the game back up at two a piece. This would not last, as Matthews added another halfway through the period to take a 3-2 Toronto lead. The Leafs would not be satisfied with their second period onslaught just yet, as Kerfoot would score number four. The middle frame finished with Toronto leading 4-2.
In the third, the Maple Leafs would add another two for the 6-2 win. The first was the completion of the hat trick for Auston Matthews. This was the American’s fourth hat trick of the season and seventh of his pro career. Furthermore, this was Matthews’ 54th goal this season. He tied the franchise single-season goal scoring record and is in the lead for the Rocket Richard Trophy. To top off the game, Mitch Marner scored off a Matthews assist for the 6-2 lead. Tampa Bay had one power play to end the game but could not score, as Toronto left Amalie Arena victorious.
FL Teams Star of the Game
Up Next
Tampa Bay departs for a one game road trip in the nation’s capital. Tampa Bay will play fellow wild card team, the Washington Capitals on Wednesday at 7:30 PM EST.