Big storylines to follow heading into Game 2 between the Leafs and Bolts
The Leafs and Lightning are back at it for game 2 of their first round matchup tonight at 7:30 ET. After the 5-0 drubbing from the Leafs on Monday, the Bolts will look to get some payback and avenge a costly Game 1.
There's a few major storylines and narratives to focus on for tonight while the hours countdown to puck drop:
Michael Bunting Returns - Head Coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed the top line winger and grinding pest will officially be in for Game 2 which adds a much needed physical element for the Leafs in what looks to be another tough game.
Andrei Vasilevskiy - The star goaltender did not nearly play to his usual playoff-standard allowing 5 goals with just over 30 shots. One being a behind-the-net gaffe that gave Auston Matthews his second of the night. Look for Vasilevskiy to rebound as he boasts a .966 sv%, and 14-0 record following a playoff loss in the last two seasons.
M&M - Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner dazzled like they have all season in Game 1, both recording 3 points on the night and potting goals to instill some of that swagger and confidence into the home crowd. If they can both keep it going, and all signs point to just that, the Leafs could be setting things up for another onslaught for a Tampa team that looked quite shell-shocked on Monday.
Stone-cold Stamkos - Steven Stamkos whiffed on an open net uncharacteristically and put up a dud along with the rest of the Tampa Bay roster. The Leafs physicality and tight defensive game definitely had a roll in this, but players like Stamkos don't just stay quiet. He and his cast of linemates will be putting the extra pressure on to perform and tie up the series.
Borderline Violence - Before game 1 even kicked off, Sheldon Keefe noted that he expected this series to be "borderline violent" and oh boy, did the Leafs deliver on that. What orchestrated was over 120 penalty minutes being handed out between both teams and 2 line brawls, with the Leafs especially dictating punishment early and throughout the entire game. The Leafs will once again look to smack the Lightning in the mouth and make them uncomfortable to jump out to a 2-0 series lead, roaring into Tampa Bay with all the momentum.
