Monday, May 2, 2022. 10:14 PM
(Update : Tuesday, May 3, 2022. 00:41)
TORONTO – For the first time in the playoffs, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner each scored in the same game and the Toronto Maple Leafs easily shut out defending Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay Lightning 5-0 to win Game 1 of their first-round series on Monday.
Matthews hit the target twice and collected an assist while his accomplice, Mitch Marner, got a goal and two assists.
Marner ended an 18-game scoreless playoff streak.
“I can’t do anything regarding the past,” said the winger for the umpteenth time this season. I am here to focus on the present moment. I’m here to focus on what I can do to help our team win. »
Like all the other players in this locker room. »
The Maple Leafs’ special teams were imperial, scoring on the shorthanded and on the power play.
“Our shorthanded unit has done an outstanding job,” Matthews said. Campbell was incredible and we knew how to capitalize on our scoring chances. »
“However, it will be a long series. The Lightning will be ready for the next game,” added the star Leafs forward.
Jake Muzzin et David fight also hit the target for the Leafs. Morgan Rielly and Ondrej Kase aided in two goals for the Leafs.
Jack Campbell stopped 23 shots for the shutout.
“I’m not so sure if the Maple Leafs needed to play well to beat us tonight,” Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said. You have to win four and you don’t really want to give one to the opponent. We probably gave them the win. »
It’s difficult to assess each of the teams tonight. »
The Lightning struggled on the power play, including not taking a shot on net on a five-minute power play in the first period following Kyle Clifford was sent off.
The Lightning, visibly insulted by this result, fell back on indiscipline in the third period. Due to several fights, he conceded a four-minute power play in which the Maple Leafs saw a goal disallowed by video replay.
In a game marked by violence, the Lightning got 48 penalty minutes while the Maple Leafs were punished for a total of 52 minutes.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, guilty of a bad outing on the second success at Matthewsmade 26 saves.
Game 2 of the series is Wednesday in Toronto. The series travels to Tampa Bay on Friday for Game 3.
