NHL
The Maple Leafs defeated the Lightning 7-2 to even up their first-round series.
Joshua Kloke and The Athletic Staff118
Victor Hedman, who left the bench early in the second, is a game-time decision, and Tanner Jeannot is a possibility.
Jonas Siegel and The Athletic Staff74
The elbowing occurred late in the third period of Thursday's game, which Buffalo won 6-5 in overtime.
Matthew Fairburn and The Athletic Staff37
Erik Cernak has been an underrated star on the blue line for the Lightning.
Joe Smith58
Looking at what the contracts will be for the Lightning's restricted free agents.
Joe Smith40
The goals of an offer sheet: get the player, and make that player's team financially uncomfortable. Here are the best bets for doing that.
Dom Luszczyszyn and James Mirtle209
In the first of a four-part series for the 2020 offseason, a plan for revamping the Canucks' blue line, both for the short and long term.
Harman Dayal88
On two occasions Thursday, Tampa Bay committed an ultimate sin — giving up a goal the shift after tying the score.
Joe Smith25
If the team decides Sergachev is ready to jump into the top pair with Victor Hedman, it might prefer to add depth for the third pair.
Joe Smith13
While also considering free agents, Tampa Bay's best route to adding a top defenseman might be through a deal the next few weeks.
Tampa Bay is faced with trying to navigate a salary cap crunch and expansion draft rules while remaking its blueline.
Joe Smith8
The game-changing, right-shot defenseman Tampa Bay coveted ended up being Cernak, whose calling card is he's ready for anything.
"A lot has changed since then," said Alex Killorn, whose first NHL hat trick led Tampa Bay to a 6-3 win over Washington Saturday.
Joe Smith17
As much as Callahan is respected by coaches and teammates, young players Adam Erne and Mathieu Joseph have earned a stronger look.
Don't be surprised if the league leaders stand pat, but there are a few moves that could help now and looking ahead to the summer.
Joe Smith10
With Erik Cernak firmly entrenched in the lineup, coaches are hoping to identify the best pairings in time for the playoffs.
Joe Smith36
At a recent AHL Syracuse Crunch game against Utica, BriseBois offered his insights into Tampa Bay's development strategy.
Despite their big point differential, Toronto is the kind of team that could give league-leading Tampa Bay fits in the playoffs.
Joe Smith34
Sure, the Sharks D-man is a star. But Ryan McDonagh has been a great fit for Tampa Bay's blueline — at a portion of the cost.
Joe Smith27
What's to thank for the team's thunderous 32-7-2 first half? Red-hot forwards, improved defense, solid goaltending and much more.
Joe Smith15
