As the NHL playoffs continue to heat up, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a pivotal Game 5 matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Recent playoff history suggests that this game is a must-win for the Maple Leafs if they hope to advance to the next round.
Over the past few years, the Maple Leafs have struggled in Game 5s of playoff series. In fact, they have lost their last four Game 5s dating back to the 2017 playoffs. This includes a heartbreaking loss to the Boston Bruins in 2019, where they blew a 3-2 series lead and were eliminated in Game 7.
On the other hand, the Lightning have been dominant in Game 5s during their recent playoff runs. They have won their last five Game 5s dating back to the 2018 playoffs, including a crucial win over the New York Islanders in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.
So why is Game 5 so important? For starters, it gives the winning team a chance to close out the series in Game 6. This is especially important for the Maple Leafs, who have struggled to win elimination games in recent years. Additionally, winning Game 5 can give a team a boost of momentum and confidence heading into the next game.
Of course, there are no guarantees in sports. The Maple Leafs could certainly break their Game 5 curse and come out with a win against the Lightning. However, recent history suggests that this will be a tough task.
The Maple Leafs will need to play their best hockey of the season if they hope to come out on top in Game 5. They will need strong performances from their top players, including Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. They will also need solid goaltending from Jack Campbell, who has been a bright spot for the team this postseason.
Ultimately, only time will tell if the Maple Leafs can break their Game 5 curse and advance to the next round of the playoffs. But one thing is for sure – this is a must-win game for the team if they hope to keep their playoff dreams alive.
