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Special Teams Propels Maple Leafs Past Lightning, Finish 4-0 on Road Trip

By Chris Okrainetz

Dec 29, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) shoots as Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman (6) attempted to defend during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) shoots as Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman (6) attempted to defend during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs (16-12-7) concluded their four game road trip with a 3-2 OT victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning (18-15-4) on Thursday night.

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Thoughts and Observations

  • The Toronto Maple Leafs looked tired and worn down as this game went on, but they battled through the fatigue to hold on for a 3-2 victory.

    • I don’t know if it’s a Florida thing, but after blowing a 2-0 lead against the Panthers on Wednesday night, the Leafs blew another 2-0 lead against Tampa.

    Antoine Bibeau

    played well in his second career regular season start and he earned his first NHL win by turning aside 25 of 27 shots.

    Frederik Andersen

    has been excellent for the Leafs, but it was nice to see Bibeau deliver a strong performance when you consider how Toronto’s backup goalie situation has been this season.

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    The Leafs kept pressure on Tampa’s defensemen all night and it helped neutralize some of the Lightning’s speed that they often use on breakouts.

  • Brian Boyle had a number of chances and he even played on one leg during overtime after he blocked a shot on the penalty kill. He finished the game with a goal, three shots and three hits in 19:08 of ice time while posting a 52 CF%.

    • The Leafs struggled to stay out of the box against the Lightning, but luckily for Toronto, their penalty kill was once again stellar as they held Tampa scoreless on the PP. The Leafs have now killed off their last 30 penalties on the road and were a perfect 19-for-19 on the PK during this four game road trip.

    Man, how good is

    Auston Matthews

    ? By the way, he’s now tied with

    Patrik Laine

    at 30 points.

    The Leafs played their fifth overtime in eight games and their eleventh this season.

    Stat of the Night

    17

    Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak combined to fire 17 shots at the net (10 on goal, seven missed) and Kadri’s hard work was rewarded when he banged home the OT winner. Matthews finished the night with six total shots and although he only managed to get two on net, one of them was a goal.

    The rookie phenom has now scored in four of his last fives games and has points in his last 10 games. Earlier in the season Mike Babcock said he would be a No. 1 centre by Christmas. Well, I’d say he was spot on with that statement as the Leafs top pick has been on an absolute tear.

    What’s Next

    After a successful road trip that saw the Maple Leafs post a perfect 4-0 record, Toronto will head home to host the Detroit Red Wings (16-16-4) on New Year’s Day at BMO Field in the Centennial Classic.

    It’s not quite the Winter Classic at the Big House in Ann Arbour, but considering the Leafs are celebrating their 100th season, the game is still a big deal. Detroit is struggling at the moment, losing six of their last nine games and allowing three or more goals in seven of those games, but I’m sure the outdoor atmosphere will give both teams an extra boost of adrenaline.

    Puck drop is scheduled for 3 pm EST on Sunday. Until then, from us here at Tip of the Tower, we wish everyone a safe and happy New Year.

    Next: Leafs Top 10 Prospect Rankings Before World Juniors

    What did you think of the Maple Leafs 3-2 victory over the Lightning on Thursday night? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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