Auston Matthews scored two goals to help propel the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of the 2022 NHL Playoffs.
First Frame:
The first frame got underway and the Lightning got an early power play, a hook on Brandon Hagel. The Lightning did not convert on the power play but they did get a shot on it. Five minutes in, shots were even at two apiece. Soon after, the Maple Leafs committed yet another penalty, this time a five minute major. The Lightning did not cash in with five minutes on the man advantage. Toronto would eventually go on the power play. After all of this chaos, neither team had scored. However, that all changed when the Maple Leafs went back on the power play due to a tripping penalty. The Maple Leafs scored courtesy of Jake Muzzin, who gave Toronto a late 1-0 lead to end the period.
Second Frame:
Four minutes in, the second period started off with a Tampa Bay power play. During the man advantage, Tampa committed a pushing penalty which gave the Maple Leafs a chance to extend their 1-0 lead. The Bolts suffered another penalty, which gave the Maple Leafs a two-man advantage (5-on-3). Toronto converted on the 5-on-3 via Auston Matthews, his first goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to extend Toronto’s lead to 2-0. Toronto scored yet another goal to make it 3-0 when the Maple Leafs scored shorthanded. It seemed like everything was working in Toronto’s favor.
Heading towards the end of the second frame, Mitch Marner netted the fourth goal of the game for the Maple Leafs. Things were not looking good for the Lightning so far, as it was all Toronto.
Third Frame:
Seven minutes into the third period, it was still 4-0 Toronto. Tampa Bay was still looking for their first goal of the game, but it has just been that type of game for the Maple Leafs. Heading into the midway point of the third, Auston Matthews scored his second goal of the game, extending the lead to 5-0. Tampa Bay was clearly trying to avoid the shutout, however, the offense was stymied.
What’s Next?
The Lightning will head back to Scotiabank Arena to play Game 2 of the series. The Lightning hope to get their offense more involved. Puck drop will be at 7:30 PM EST.