The Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL) is facing a challenging situation in the playoffs as they fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4 of their opening-round series (NHL.com). The Lightning had a chance to take both games in Toronto but couldn’t withstand the Maple Leafs’ heavy pushback, dropping the game, 7-2 (NHL.com). Although it’s still early in the playoffs, the Lightning’s overtime struggles are becoming more glaring, marking a remarkable and puzzling statistic for the team (Tampa Bay Times).
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are rallying, topping the Lightning in overtime play for a 3-1 series lead (FOX 13 Tampa Bay). The Maple Leafs took advantage of another late opportunity and kept their resilience alive, which allowed them to make an incredible comeback against the Lightning in an entertaining contest (Puck Prose).
Analyzing Monday’s Game 4 odds and lines, NHL experts made their picks, predictions, and best bets (USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire). Unfortunately for the Lightning, they collapsed in the third period of the game, ultimately losing their second straight in overtime (Bay News 9). Toronto Maple Leafs player Alexander Kerfoot scored on the power play at 4:14 of overtime, after Toronto erased a three-goal deficit in the third (Bay News 9).
With highlights that show the fantastic comeback by the Maple Leafs and the scenes of the Lightning’s emotional Game 3 loss at home, it’s clear that tensions are running high in the playoffs for the Tampa Bay team (Yahoo Sports, Tampa Bay Times). Despite their struggles, the Lightning remains optimistic, as they continue to try their best to imitate the Maple Leafs and turn the tides of the playoffs (ESPN Southwest Florida).
