In the first-round NHL playoff series, the Tampa Bay Lightning took the lead against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 7-3 win in Game 1 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto (Syracuse). Despite injuries to defensemen Victor Hedman and Erik Cernak, and forward Michael Eyssimont in the second period, the Lightning managed to score four goals on power play, thanks to Brayden Point’s two goals (Tampa Bay Times). Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs’ Michael Bunting faced a hearing over Cernak hit, as Toronto struggled to contain the Lightning’s offense (ESPN).
Back in Tampa Bay, hundreds of Lightning fans gathered at Sparkman Wharf to cheer for their team during the away game in Toronto (ABC Action News). The Lightning are looking to defend their 2022 Stanley Cup title, and their strong start against the Maple Leafs may indicate a promising playoff run ahead. Their next game against the Maple Leafs will also be in Toronto, and fans can catch the action on ESPN, CBC, SNE, SNO, SNP, TVAS, or BSSUN (NHL.com).
As for the Maple Leafs, their playoff struggles continued as they lost on home ice and struggled to contain the Lightning’s power play. Fans pointed fingers at officials for the loss, but the team will need to regroup and come back stronger in Game 2 (Sportskeeda). With more games left in the series, anything can happen, and it will be interesting to see how the Lightning and Maple Leafs play out their competition on the ice.
