Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning Looking to Make a Storm
Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning Looking to Make a Storm
We have all waited patiently and now it is time to drop the puck on a new season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here at the Tip of the Tower we strive to give you as much content on your Toronto sports teams as humanly possible. This series will preview every single Toronto Maple Leafs game and what you should know for the game that night.
Nov 20, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing
James van Riemsdyk(21) celebrates after scoring his first goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Lightning (47-23-7) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (28-42-6) 7:30 p.m. TSN
The Leafs are 1-2 against the Lightning this season.
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Leafs Injury Report
Peter Holland is doubtful with a lower-body injury
Stephane Robidas is out with a shoulder injury
Roman Polak is out with a hernia injury
Nathan Horton is out with a back injury
Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)
Lightning Injury Report
Braydon Coburn is out with a lower-body injury
Jason Garrison is questionable with an upper-body injury
Cedric Paquette is doubtful with a leg injury
Mattias Ohlund is out with a knee injury
Game Preview
Mar 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center
Tyler Bozak(42) celebrates his tying goal with center Nazem Kari (43) in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Senators 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The reaction that Peter Horachek had as Eric Brewer scored the game winner against the Ottawa Senators spoke volumes of how big that victory with the Leafs was. This was a game that the Leafs really wanted to win, not because they wanted to play spoiler to the Senator’s playoff hopes, but because of their newest teammate. The Leafs granted the wish of 11-year old Garrett Gamble by signing him to a one day contract so that he could drop the puck at center ice. The young fan has been dealing with Mucopolysaccaridosis IVA, more commonly known as Morquio Syndrome. It was an emotional day for his family and the Leafs organization which took the attention off the team’s poor play for one night.
Mar 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center
Tyler Bozak(42) celebrates his goal with right wing
Phil Kessel(81) in the third period as Ottawa Senators goalie
Craig Anderson(41) reacts at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Senators 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Bozak probably played his best game as a Leaf, scoring a hat trick, adding an assist and dominating the faceoff circle. In overtime he almost scored his fourth of the game but his shot went off to the post where Brewer was able to get it into the open net after he scrambled to find it in his feet. The play of the top line has been a major reason why the team has dropped off since January and seeing Bozak’s performance makes you wonder what could have been. Maybe Connor McDavid should compare himself to Bozak more often? Phil Kessel also had three assists in the win so the question to ask now is whether this will continue until the end of the season?
Toronto Maple Leafs
Nov 20, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Lightning 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Kessel career vs TB: 33 GP – 10 goals – 16 assist – 26 PTS
James van Riemsdyk career vs FLR: 22 GP- 7 goals- 7 assists- 14 PTS
Tyler Bozak career vs TB: 19 GP- 5 goals- 11 assists- 16 PTS
Nazem Kadri career vs FLR: 12 GP- 2 goals- 6 assists- 8 PTS
Jonathan Bernier career vs TB: 4 GP– Record: 3-1, 2.27 GAA – .933 SV%
James Reimer career vs FLR: 8 GP- Record: 2-6, 3.11 GAA- .905 SV%
Tampa Bay Lightning
Mar 19, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning center
Steven Stamkos(91) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Steven Stamkos career vs TOR: 23 GP- 15 goals- 16 assists- 31 PTS
Ben Bishop career vs TOR: 12 GP- Record: 5-5, 2.93 GAA- .891 SV%
Ryan Callahan career vs TOR: 26 GP- 6 goals- 4 assists- 10 PTS
Victor Hedman career vs TOR: 24 GP- 1 goals- 7 assists- 8 PTS
Keys to Victory
Mar 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) mixes it up with Ottawa Senators defenseman
Patrick Wiercioch(46) at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Senators 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Leafs finally got significant production from the top line which has been missing for months. If they want to keep it close against the Lightning the top line has to give the same effort that they did Saturday night,
Mar 28, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center
Curtis Lazar(27) celebrates his goal in the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Leafs need to work on their defending on the rush because there have been many moments where their opponent is able to set up an easy goal off the rush leaving their goalie without a chance to stop it. One reason is because they are giving the forwards too much space to set up a scoring chance or a play is able to get open in the slot. The Lightning will look to expose that as much as they can.
Nazem Kadri will have to show from now until the end of the season that he should be back as a part of the rebuild. It has been a rough month for him but now he has to show that he is willing to become a more mature player because of it. The Leafs are not ready to give up on him so he needs to show that the investment will pay off at some point.