The Tampa Bay Lightning are a better hockey team than the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The score was flattering.
Time’s running out.
After a good chunk of the fan base tried to convince themselves over the break that this team had what it took to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they came out, worked hard but got destroyed by a better team. That’s hockey.
We kicked off the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take by giving our initial thoughts on the 4-2 loss in Tampa. Simply put, the Leafs had no answer for Tampa’s big boys —specifically Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. They were outstanding.
And so, with 24 games left, the Leafs remain six points out of a playoff spot. Furthermore, there are five games to go ahead of the March 6th trade deadline. Translation: They’re in a tough spot, and some huge decisions will have to be made over the next week. The biggest positive to grab from Wednesday night was Toronto’s video staff continuing to be spot on. Jordan Bean and Sam Kim went 2-for-2 as Tampa had two goals called back due to offside challenges. In fact, dating back to 2022, the Leafs are 20 for the last 20 in that department. What a run!
Meantime, we had no issue with Anthony Stolarz, wh0 made 32 stops in the loss. Andrei Vasilevskiy was great, too, also making 32 stops. Matthew Knies continued his career dominance against the Bolts tallying a goal and an assist, both of which came late in regulation with the game out of reach.
Lastly, we previewed the game in Sunrise. Joseph Woll, who’s 3-2-0 with a 1.80 goals against and .948 save-percentage against the Cats, will get the call in goal. Dakota Joshua is expected to make his return. He’s been out since December 28th due to a lacerated kidney. It will be fascinating to see if Easton Cowan plays, too. The rookie hasn’t played since January 29th.
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta will be in for Jay Rosehill on the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take. We’ll recap Leafs/Panthers and tee up Saturday night’s Battle of Ontario. Speaking of which, Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green is expected to join us.