The Lightning were strong in every aspect of their game. Their puck management was crisp. As a result, they spent little time in their own end and enjoyed long, sustained offensive zone shifts. It also meant that they limited turnovers, so they didn't fuel Toronto's dangerous offense.
When Toronto did possess the puck, the Lightning's defensive structure was solid. The Leafs generated very little, either off the rush or in the offensive zone.
When the puck was in the Toronto end, the Lightning not only forechecked aggressively to create turnovers, they also had a consistent net-front presence. All five of their even-strength goals came on deflections or rebounds.
The Lightning were relentless in their attack. All four lines drove play in the offensive zone and all four lines contributed goals. The Lightning's forward depth, which has been such an integral part of their record-setting season, came at the Leafs in waves. The Lightning's defense was also involved - every Lightning goal included at least one assist from a defenseman. The D were active in the offensive zone, creating chaos in the Toronto end - Tyler Johnson's two goals both came moments after Ryan McDonagh stepped in from the point to make a play. The defensemen were also effective at getting their shots from the point to the open sticks of the forwards, who were able to tip pucks into the net.
As mentioned earlier, five of the Lightning's goals came at even strength. Then there was the other tally, a shorthanded goal for Cedric Paquette late in the second. The Lightning took advantage of Toronto's poor line change - following a Paquette clear down the ice, four of the five Leafs players went to the bench at the same time, leaving Morgan Rielly by himself in the Toronto defensive zone. As Gourde tracked the puck behind the Toronto net, Victor Hedman and Paquette joined the play, creating a three-on-one advantage. That goal, which came a few minutes after the Leafs had cut the Lightning lead to 4-1, took any potential wind out of Toronto's sails.
This was a complete performance for the Lightning, one in which they decisively outplayed an excellent opponent.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game:
1. Tyler Johnson - Lightning. Two goals.
2. Ryan McDonagh - Lightning. Two assists.
3. Cedric Paquette - Lightning. Two goals.
