The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning after a thrilling overtime victory. The Leafs, led by Auston Matthews and John Tavares, were able to outlast the Lightning in a back-and-forth affair that saw both teams trade goals throughout the game.
The game started off with a bang as Auston Matthews opened the scoring just over two minutes into the game. The Lightning responded with two goals of their own to take a 2-1 lead into the second period. The Leafs were able to tie it up early in the second period on a goal by John Tavares, and then take the lead late in the period on a goal by Mitch Marner.
The Lightning were able to tie it up early in the third period on a goal by Nikita Kucherov, and then take the lead late in the period on a goal by Brayden Point. With time winding down, the Leafs were able to tie it up with just over a minute left in regulation on a goal by Zach Hyman.
The game went into overtime and the Leafs were able to take advantage of their momentum and score the game-winning goal just over three minutes into overtime on a goal by William Nylander. The Leafs now have a 3-1 series lead and are one win away from advancing to the next round.
The Leafs have been led by their stars throughout this series, with Auston Matthews and John Tavares leading the way offensively. They have also gotten great goaltending from Frederik Andersen, who has been stellar in net for the Leafs. The Lightning have been led by their stars as well, with Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point leading the way offensively.
The Leafs will look to close out the series in Game 5 and advance to the next round. It will be an exciting game and one that could potentially see the Leafs move on to the next round.
