The Tampa Bay Lightning kept its playoff hopes alive with a 4-1 victory on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bolts completed their four-game season series against the Leafs going 2-1-1, winning both games at the Air Canada Centre.
Tampa Bay has now won six of their last eight games. In addition, they have come out victorious in six of their last seven road games.
Staying Alive
After a scoreless first period, the Lightning took control of last night's must-win game with a roster that resembled that of the Syracuse Crunch. Unfortunately, this is something Tampa Bay has grown accustomed to this season, playing with a depleted roster on many occasions.
#tblightning lines: Palat-Point-Kucherov/Conacher-Gourde-Killorn/drouin-McKegg-Vermin/Bournival-Namestnikov-Erne. Certainly #tampacuse
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) April 6, 2017
They key thing about Thursday's victory over Toronto is the Lightning get to continue their push for the postseason. After beating the Boston Bruins last night, the Ottawa Senators clinched a playoff spot, making Toronto the only team Tampa can catch.
With both teams having two games left, the Lightning sit three points behind the Maple Leafs for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Simply put, the Bolts have to win their remaining games and hope that the Leafs lose their remaining games.
At first glance, it may appear as though Toronto has the more difficult remaining schedule, having to play the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets. However, both Pittsburgh and Columbus have both their playoff spots secured with no chance of moving up or down in position. Both teams will most likely rest key players to avoid injuries. That being said, anything can happen and there is still a chance Toronto fails to get the job done.
The Lightning continue their three-game road trip when they take on the Montreal Canadiens tonight. Similar to the Penguins and Blue Jackets, Montreal's playoff destiny is all set. With that being said, the Canadiens would love to eliminate Tampa's chance at making the postseason. The Lightning will then play their final game of the regular season at home on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres.
Hold onto your hats ladies and gentlemen, it is going to be an exciting finish.