3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won 5-2 against Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn
3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won 5-2 against Tampa Bay Lightning (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated division rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 at Scotiabank Arena on Monday.

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The Maple Leafs got two goals from William Nylander, with the others coming from captain Auston Matthews, Max Pacioretty, and Matthew Knies. Nick Paul and Brayden Point replied for the Bolts.

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Here's a closer look at three reasons why Toronto beat Tampa Bay on Monday.

3 reasons why Toronto Maple Leafs won 5-2 against Tampa Bay Lightning

#3. Anthony Stolarz continues to deliver high-quality goaltending

Anthony Stolarz has been a revelation for the Maple Leafs so far this season. He wasn’t projected to be the starter but was thrust into that role. He played a solid game on Saturday against the New York Rangers and followed that up with a similar performance against the Bolts.

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Stolarz made 32 saves, making several key saves in close. The Leafs’ defense deserves credit for minimizing rebounds and second chances. That solid defensive performance allowed Stolarz to make the saves he needed to throughout the game.

#2. The Leafs maintained pressure with a strong forecheck

The Leafs' relentless forecheck kept the Lightning on their heels all night long. In particular, the top line used their speed and skills to capitalize on the opportunities given to them.

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The pressure maintained in the third period was critical given their performance against the Los Angeles Kings a few nights before. Against the Kings, the Leafs laid back while up 5-0. After the Kings made it 5-2, coach Craig Berube made a point that his team could not be complacent with any lead.

That message seemed to sink in as the Leafs did not take their feet off the gas. The third-period effort was punctuated by a fight featuring Max Domi who stood up for his teammate Oliver Ekman-Larsson after Ekman-Larsson took a shot from behind by Zemgus Girgensons.

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#1. The Leafs rode a big second-period

The game was decided in the second period as Toronto scored four times. Specifically, the goals were possible as the Maple Leafs exploited transitions in the neutral zone. Several times, the Lightning were unable to exit their own zone effectively, leading to turnovers which the Leafs pounced on.

The flurry of goals started with Auston Matthews scoring on the power play. Then, Nylander, Pacioretty and Knies got on the scoresheet, essentially putting the game out of reach.

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It’s worth pointing out that the Leafs chased Andrei Vasilevsky from the game after he gave up four goals on 14 shots. It was unusual to see Vasilevsky get pulled after giving up that many goals on such few shots.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be back in action on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets as they look to win on back-to-back nights.

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Edited by Veer Badani
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