The Tampa Bay Lightning fell short 4-3 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. Tampa Bay will head home in a win or go home situation. Toronto, on the other hand, are one win away from winning their first playoff series since 2004.
Game Recap
The first period started poorly for the Lightning. They were given a too many men penalty, roughly three minutes into the game. However, after killing the penalty, Steven Stamkos scored for an early 1-0 lead. Soon after, Tampa Bay would have a power play. 21 seconds into the power play, Victor Hedman shot the puck in for an early 2-0 lead. To end the period, Toronto failed to score on two power plays while Tampa Bay could not score on three. Both shots (14-4) and the score (2-0) were both in favor of the Lightning after one period of play.
For the second period in a row, the Bolts began with a too many men penalty. This time it proved fatal as John Tavares tipped the puck into the net, making it 2-1. As the tide began to turn, Toronto had another power play chance go to waste. However, the Leafs had taken command of the game. Toronto outshot Tampa Bay, but remained behind by one goal after 40 minutes.
The third period began with a Toronto penalty 2:15 into the final frame. However, a Steven Stamkos high sticking penalty at 2:25 shot down the chances of a momentum turning power play. This meant 4-on-4 action for 1:50. John Tavares made use of the time and space of 4-on-4 to draw the Lightning defense to him. Morgan Reilly, therefore, was left alone to tie the game at two from a Tavares feed. Another 4-on-4 goal would come as William Nylander scored for a 3-2 Toronto lead. Four minutes later, Ryan McDonagh would not let the Leafs get away easy, as he tied the game up again. The game would shift once more, as Auston Matthews scored off the rebound with six minutes left, making it 4-3 Toronto. The score would stick, as Toronto escaped victorious.
Up Next
Game 6 will be back across the border at Amalie Arena on Thursday night. The Lightning will look to keep their chances at a three-peat alive at 7:30 PM EST.