Maple Leafs Down Lightning in OT, Sweep Mini Road Trip
TAMPA BAY — Mike Babcock was counting on the NHL standings to motivate the Maple Leafs, in addition to having a shot at five straight road wins.
“We’re here,” the coach said with urgency before taking on the Lightning with a chance to get closer to a playoff spot. “I looked today, we’re right there with them, it’s a huge game for us that way. Take advantage.”
The Leafs took an unlikely two-goal lead despite early penalties, succumbed to the yips and won it 3-2 in overtime, a Nazem Kadri power play goal.
“Sometimes it’s just living right and going to church on Sunday,” Babcock said of improved results. “Sometimes it’s us actually getting better.”
Now, it’s home for the outdoor game against the Red Wings on New Year’s Day.
Toronto was trying for a feat that sounded impossible a few weeks ago, back to back road wins for the second time in as many weeks.
