The Toronto Maple Leafs’ first game against an Atlantic Division playoff threat Monday went as well as they could’ve hoped.
In a 5-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Maple Leafs got plenty of offence from their core, significant contributions from the biggest names added to their forward and defence groups (Max Pacioretty and Chris Tanev) plus a rock-solid performance from red-hot goaltender Anthony Stolarz.
Tampa Bay established some momentum after earning a 1-1 tie in the first period, but the Maple Leafs scored four goals in the second to run away with the game. Late penalty trouble allowed the Lightning to score their second goal and apply pressure in the final minutes, but they weren’t able to put the game in doubt.
An A-plus is best served for a truly dominant effort, but the Maple Leafs deserve an “A” for the decisive victory.
Stolarz was so good this game! Hopefully Woll is fully recovered from “stiffness” and can hit the ground running tomorrow.
Bummer to see Benoit get on the scoresheet.