NHL analyst predicts a Leafs Stanley Cup win after passion-fueled comeback win over Tampa in Game 5

Tuesday night was a crime scene as the Leafs absolutely stole one from the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 5 in Toronto. After digging themselves into an early multi-goal deficit for the second consecutive game, Leafs veteran Jason Spezza stepped up during the first intermission to spark a Leafs comeback for the ages.

The Buds skated away with a razor-close 4-3 win thanks to a beautiful game-winning goal from Auston Matthews off of a slick shot-pass off the pad of Andrei Vasilevskiy by Mitch Marner with just over 6 minutes remaining in the game.

Following the game-winning play, the Leafs were able to successfully shut down the Lightning thanks to a few timely saves from Jack Campbell and a strong defensive effort from the entire team late in the game to limit Tampa's chances to tie it up with the empty net.

After the game, Paul "Biz Nasty" Bissonnette took to Twitter to let his opinion be known to all that the Leafs are destined to win a Stanley Cup this season.

While I'm sure we all enjoy Biz Nasty's passion, the Leafs have not buried the Bolts just yet. The Leafs still have to do something that they've failed to do in nearly the last two decades; close out the series. The Leafs will have two chances to do that, the first coming Thursday in Tampa and the second on Saturday night back in Toronto, if necessary.

We've heard it all season long - how this team is different. Well, now they'll have their chance to prove it. A win over the Bolts on Thursday or Saturday will go a long way in starting to change the narrative surrounding this team. If they can prove that they CAN get it done in the playoffs and that they CAN win big games, the sky is the limit.

MUST READ

12 hours ago  |  By Dean Chaudhry Ex-Leafs Enforcer Turned Podcaster Shares Strong Opinion on Auston Matthews Situation

17 hours ago  |  By Mike Armenti Ex-NHLer Accuses Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs of Being Dishonest with the Public

Dec 24  |  By Dean Chaudhry Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews Believed to Have Reached an Understanding Surrounding His Health

Dec 24  |  By Mike Armenti Spittin' Chiclets Co-Host Has a Special Message for Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews

Dec 24  |  By Ryan Smitheram Maple Leafs' Update on Chris Tanev Not Enough to Satiate Fans

Dec 24  |  By Ryan Smitheram Insider Reveals Power Struggle Between Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs

Dec 24  |  By Dean Chaudhry Legendary Maple Leafs broadcaster Joe Bowen Shares Special Moment with His Son on Live Telecast

Dec 24  |  By Nick Matthews TSN Analyst Preps Maple Leafs Fans on Potential Recovery Plan for Auston Matthews

MORE STORIES