A lengthy rough stretch for Tampa could mean a new round 1 opponent for the Leafs
There aren't many certainties in hockey, but for much of this season, one of those certainties seemed to be that the Leafs and Lightning were destined for another round one matchup this year. The Leafs fell short of their goal last year, losing in 7 to the Bolts, but there was a lot of hope that this year's result would be different.
We may have to push pause on the idea of a Leafs/Lightning grudge match, however, as the Bolts have gone 2-5-3 over their last 10 games and have lost a lot of ground in the Atlantic Division standings. Just how bad is it? Well, both the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators are within striking distance of Tampa - and both teams also have the luxury of having games in hand.
Through 63 games, the Lightning are currently sitting at 79 points, still 5 points back of the Leafs in the same number of games played. Meanwhile, through 61 games, Buffalo is sitting at 68 points, which would bring them up to 72 points if they win their next two games, just 7 points back of Tampa, who just lost Victor Hedman to injury last night.
Meanwhile, the Senators also have 68 points and have 1 game in hand over the Bolts. The Sens, believe it or not, are one of the hottest teams in the league right now and have won 5 straight games, second only to Boston, who has won 10 straight. The Sens are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and, not only that, but they also just landed Jakob Chychrun before the trade deadline, which should provide them with an enormous boost down the stretch.
There's still a lot of season left, but if the Bolts can't snap out of the current funk they're in - and soon - the Leafs may be facing off against the Sens or Sabres in round 1 instead.
| POLL | ||
MARS 6 | 792 ANSWERS A lengthy rough stretch for Tampa could mean a new round 1 opponent for the Leafs Who would you like to see the Leafs face off against in round 1 of this year's playoffs? | ||
| Ottawa | 284 | 35.9 % |
| Tampa | 279 | 35.2 % |
| Buffalo | 229 | 28.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
