Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Keys to Victory vs. Lightning
By Paul Taylor
As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome.
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A 5-1 loss to the Panthers was hardly the ideal start to the Toronto Maple Leafs short trip to Florida (or should that be vacation, given the final scoreline). Unfortunately, they will have little time to reflect, as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Lightning have been in excellent form of late, with eight wins in their last 10 games. By comparison, the Leafs have only picked up six points during the same period.
This will be the second game between the two sides this season, with Tampa Bay winning the first encounter 5-4 in overtime. We look at three keys which will help determine if Toronto can gain some revenge.
1) Steven Stamkos vs Leafs blue line
As per a report from Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times, the Lightning have apparently offered Steven Stamkos an eight-year, $68 million deal. However, until he puts pen to paper, the Markam, Ontario native will continue to be linked with his hometown team.
In some respects, you imagine the Leafs would love to sign Stamkos, just to stop him scoring against them. The centre has always enjoyed playing against Toronto, as evidenced by 31 points in 26 games (15 goals and 16 assists).
The 25-year old will likely be once again motivated to put on a show (audition?) against the Leafs. As such, it will be up to Dion Phaneuf and Jake Gardiner to find a way to stop him.
2) Back-to-back struggles
To say the Leafs have struggled in the second game of back-to-backs this season, would be a major understatement. Out of 11 such games, they have just the one victory, a 3-2 shootout win in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.
Certainly, a 5-1 thrashing in Florida is hardly the ideal preparation to turn around this worrying trend. However, it is worth noting the last two second-game losses have been tight affairs on the road against playoff-quality opponents (the Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins).
One other factor which should boost Toronto is Tampa Bay’s inability to hold onto an early lead. Even though the Leafs have had a tendency to get off to slow starts this season, the Lightning have the second-fewest wins in the NHL when leading after one period.
3) Jonathan Bernier
Jonathan Bernier will get the start in net against the Lightning, and will need to take this opportunity to prove himself. According to James Mirtle of The Globe and Mail, the Leafs are reportedly looking to move several players, including the embattled goaltender.
The 27-year old has endured a nightmare campaign. He is on course for the lowest save percentage and highest goals against average since his debut season, when he only played four NHL games.
At this point, Bernier is fighting to save his reputation around the league, with many experts wondering if he has what it takes to be a number one goalie. The start against Tampa Bay will present the platform for him to show what he can do, with the Leafs hoping to reap the benefits with a standout performance.
Next: Leafs reportedly shopping Jonathan Bernier
What do you expect from the Leafs against the Lightning? Let us know in the comments section below.