Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews (34) is chased by Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nick Perbix (48) as goaltender Matt Tomkins (90) takes care of the puck in the third period. Photo: Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press / AP / NTB
Of NTB | 18.04.2024 05:13:04
Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews could have become the first player in NHL history to score 70 goals in one season in over 30 years. However, he was unable to do so.
In contrast, Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov became the fifth NHL player to have 100 assists in one season.
Lightning took an early 2-0 lead before seven minutes had passed. Nicholas Paul and Kucherov accounted for the first two goals. Maple Leafs’ Ryan Reeves scored the visitors’ first goal after 13:18.
In the second period, the Lightning put the puck into the Canadians’ net three times – with scores by Anthony Duclair, Brayden Point and Brandon Hagel.
The home team’s Tanner Jeannot accounted for the sixth goal after 11:27 in the third period. Maple Leafs’ TJ Brodie got his first goal of the season when he put the puck in the goal at 14:02. Pontus Holmberg followed up with the visitors’ third goal at 16:20. John Tavares accounted for the Maple Leafs’ fourth and final puck in the cage at 19:23.
Lilleberg was allowed to be on the ice for 19 minutes and 47 seconds.
The game was the last for 23-year-old Lilleberg and his team before the NHL playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, the Lightning will face the Florida Panthers.
(© NTB)