NHL Predictions - Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs

As the second most successful team in the history of the Stanley Cup, Toronto have picked up 13 titles, while they have been in the finals another eight times on top of that. However, having failed to win a single playoff series since 2004, and being unable to make the post-season 10 times since then, could the Maple Leafs suffer from a real mental block in this one?

Both sides are ranked in the top-nine for their offences, but the Canadians have the better defence, currently ranked joint-fifth, while the home side also boast a better record against the Lightning this season, winning two of their three matches. 

The most recent of these wins came mere days ago as the Lightning battled to a 4-3 win at the Amalie Arena on in midweek. While this is a new game entirely, the psychological blow the Maple Leafs imparted on their opponents should not be underestimated. 

This defeat in midweek was the Lightning's fourth in a row before a win over Detroit Red Wings, with form seeming to desert the side at the most crucial time. 

Despite struggling of late, history tells us that the Lightning should not be taken lightly in the playoffs. 

Tampa Bay won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021, before they were denied a third in a row by the Colorado Avalanche last year. This loss is one they will be desperate to avenge, while they can fall back on heaps of experience in the latter-stages in seasons gone by. 

With some excellent attacking talent at their disposal, all eyes will be on Toronto defensively. Meanwhile, the Lightning boast a swathe of top talent at both ends. Perhaps there are already signs that Tampa may be edging towards the end of their winning cycle, while the Maple Leafs will be looking to end their postseason hoodoo. Having pushed the Lightning close last year, could this be the time for the Maple Leafs to come good?