Leafs' Potential Round 1 Opponent Shifts as Tampa Bay Struggles Through a Tough Stretch

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Aaron Itovitch
March 6, 2023 (10:54)

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Since essentially the beginning of the season, the Maple Leafs and Lightning have been destined for a first-round matchup.

This might change now.

Tampa Bay Floundering

Winless through five games, and coming off a 6-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Tampa Bay Lightning don't look like the team they've been for the past three years.

While the matchup of Toronto and Tampa in the playoffs has basically been set since October, if Tampa continues to lose, and teams like Ottawa and Buffalo continue to rise, we may be having a different conversation in a few weeks.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The Tampa Bay Lightning also happen to have one of the toughest remaining schedules in the league. If they fall .500 or lower, the Senators and Sabres, who have games in hand, could bridge the gap.

If the Lightning go .500 or less in their next four games, the season might get interesting. TB's back end of March is tough playing 8 games in 14 days. 3 vs NJD, 1 vs BOS, 1 vs CAR.

OTT and BUF slowly inching closer with games in hand. Something to watch.

A first-round matchup between the Maple Leafs and Sabres or Senators definitely feels more palatable than going up against the modern dynasty Lightning!

Source Maple Leafs Daily:
A lengthy rough stretch for Tampa could mean a new round 1 opponent for the Leafs