The Tampa Bay Lightning are back in action tonight at 7:00 Eastern in game two of this first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs after going up 1-0 on Tuesday. FanDuel favors Toronto in this game at -172 on the money line and an over/under at 6.5.
The metaphoric switch was seemingly flipped when the Bolts decimated the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night 7-3 in Toronto. Tampa Bay cashed in on a game littered with penalties, scoring four times on the Power Play and taking advantage of most of the opportunities they were given. Brayden Point had two goals on the night and continues to stay red hot for this Lightning team. Toronto is absolutely going to be in desperation mode tonight as they look to salvage at least a game on their home ice before traveling to Tampa.
Unfortunately, the Bolts win came at a price. Injuries for Tampa Bay was a big story coming out of game one, as Victor Hedman, Erik Cernak, and Mikey Eyssimont all left the game with injuries. According to Lightning beat writer Chris Krenn, Cernak and Eyssimont will be out for game two.
Cooper injury updates: Hedman is a game-time decision for tomorrow. Cernak and Eyssimont are out. Cole should be OK for tomorrow. Will Jeannot play? “Potentially, yes.”
— Chris Krenn (@Chris_Krenn) April 19, 2023
Tanner Jeannot and Victor Hedman are both set to be game time decisions for the Lightning in game two. Jeannot looks to be in position to step into the lineup with Eyssimont out for game two. If Jeannot does return Thursday night, it will be his first game action since April 6th.
All signs definitely point to Tanner Jeannot returning to the #GoBolts lineup tonight in Game 2. pic.twitter.com/Wqfibqyi8n
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) April 20, 2023
As for Hedman, it seems like he will also be in the lineup after participating in the morning skate. It would take a lot to keep the big man out. With Cernak ruled out, Zach Bogosian will likely jump in on the Lightning’s right side.
Cooper said Hedman is still a game-time decision. Sounds like he'll take warm-up and decide from there.
— Chris Krenn (@Chris_Krenn) April 20, 2023
Maple Leafs Forward Michael Bunting of the Toronto Maple Leafs was also suspended three games for the illegal check to the head of Erik Cernak in game one.
Toronto’s Michael Bunting has been suspended for 3 playoff games for an Illegal Check to the Head and Interference against Tampa Bay’s Erik Cernak. https://t.co/cEqbrMfeIt
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 19, 2023
TV Broadcast: Bally Sports Sun, ESPN