Mcinnis
5% Leafs
The Maple Leafs play host to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a revenge spot from a few weeks ago when the Lightning took down the Leafs 4-3 in overtime. I'm usually hesitant to go against a team on a streak like Tampa Bay is, but this is a rock-solid spot for Toronto. Although you can only play against those put in front of you, the Lightning have had some lighter opponents lately. In their most recent games, the Bolts have defeated the Canadiens, Blue Jackets, and Kraken. Those were solid wins for them, but not nearly the competition they will face tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs enter this game highly motivated after dropping two straight, giving up a combined eight goals, and scoring just three. The Maple Leafs are 11-2-3 on the season at home and hold a division record of 4-1-1. Matt Murray is the expected starter for the Leafs and has been a delightful surprise this season. In 11 games, he has a 7-2-2 record, a 2.45 GAA, and a .924 save percentage.
The defense has been the biggest surprise for the Leafs this season, and that plays a huge factor for them tonight despite them having a few injuries in the lineup. Ranking #2 in the entire NHL in goals against, the Leafs are allowing just 2.44 goals against per game.
The Lightning might be on a small winning streak, but I'm not overly impressed with who they've defeated during that streak. Before the Leafs' two losses, they scored at least four goals in four straight games and has a proven defense that can shut things down. This year I've noticed a big difference in the forwards for the Leafs; their back-checking is much better, and they are a lot more responsible defensively, which is what they struggled with in the playoffs last year against the Lightning.
Expect Matt Murray and the superstar-filled Maple Leafs to keep their strong home record tonight and snap Tampa's winning streak
Some of you are legit insane, bitching and complaining about plays but never contribute. It was $2 today, here you go.