Lightning vs. Maple Leafs: Who has the Advantage?
By Henry Yoho
![Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7cab117cbc554ce462b678d33148fa62db313c0798cb8f8b0c12fb69d29ea18a.jpg)
Special Teams
Advantage: Even
Toronto and Tampa Bay finished as the second and third best power plays in the league this season behind only the Edmonton Oilers killer power play. Both teams are around the middle of the pack as far as penalty kill is concerned as well so it is hard to lend the advantage one way or another.
Toronto’s recent playoff shortcomings have coincided with their power play going cold at the worst possible times. In last year’s series, Toronto’s power play went scoreless in their four opportunities in their two attempts at closing out the Lightning in game six and game seven. In the four games the Lightning won last year against Toronto, the Leafs scored just one power play goal in those games combined. Keeping the Maple Leafs power play quiet could be a huge chance for the Lightning to swing momentum.
#GoBolts practice power play units:
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) April 17, 2023
PP1: Sergachev, Stamkos, Point, Kucherov, Killorn
PP2: Hedman, Hagel, Paul, Colton, Perry