Lightning Take Game 7 Vs. Maple Leafs- 5/14/22

I'm not discounting the Boston @ Hurricanes or Kings @ Oilers Game 7's today, however, the Game 7 Lighting @ Maple Leafs held a special place in this 2022 Stanley Cup Playoff race, I think.  The Maple Leafs have been in a dry spell, not winning a Round 1 Series since 2004.  On the other hand, the Lightning have won the last 2 Stanley Cups, if they take a 3rd, it would be something which hasn't happened in decades.  Going to a Game 7 shows how much both of these teams want to imprint themselves on their franchises history books.  This promised to be an exciting game, it delivered.  

Throughout the full 60 minutes, only 3 goals were scored total.  Paul would score for the Lightning in Period 1, but not until 18:24.  In Period 2 we'd see our other 2 goals.  The first from Rielly, of the Maple Leafs, at 13:25.  The tie was not to last though.  At 16:32 Paul would score again.  Period 3 would see no goals, but it would see a hard collision between Paul of the Lightning, running into the Maple Leafs Goaltender, Campbell.  Both men continued playing after Paul went into the net, after falling over Campbells left leg/knee.  Again, with no goals this period, that was the highlight of such; a cringe worthy one at that.  

So, the final would be 2-1.  It was such a well played series.  The Maple Leafs have nothing to hang their heads about.  I'm sure they will take this loss hard, having been so close and just unable to close out this series.  Facing a vastly unchanged, back-to-back Stanley Cup team though, it's no small mountain to climb.  If I were a set in stone, Maple Leaf fan though, I'd be very proud of my team.  

If I may also say, the end of the game was refreshing.  I understand the energy of this game having covered it over 2 years now.  At the end of this game, there were no arguments or fights, instead smiles and sportsmanship.  My favorite had to be Campbell and Vasilevskiy, the two goaltenders.  They were laughing, high-fiving, if you'd not looked at the jerseys, it would've been easy to think they were teammates.  I'm not kidding.  Both teams were like this and it's nice to see that after the buzzer has sounded, these men have a respect for each others skill and the game of hockey.  Sometimes, this doesn't happen and that's okay.  When it does happen though, it's amazing to recap for you all, especially in a Game 7, winner take all, situation.  

Looking forward to Round 2, it will be another battle over Florida.  The Panthers will meet the Lightning.  This one will be fun all.  The Panthers won the most game points this season with 122.  The Lightning are the current, defending Stanley Cup Champions twice over.  I'll make this clear, I have no intent of missing any of this Round 2 Series, period (hockey pun intended).  

Congratulations on advancing Lightning.  Maple Leafs, I'm personally proud of you, skate on, next season isn't far away at all!