TORONTO — Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have been flying for the Maple Leafs to open the playoffs.
After some disappointing statistical showings in recent years, that's the good news.
The bad news? Things are about to get a lot tougher.
As their first-round matchup against the Lightning shifts south with the series tied 1-1, Toronto's best players and offensive catalysts are likely in for a heavy dose of Tampa Bay's shutdown line of Anthony Cirelli, Brayden Point and Alex Killorn.
And then there's the pick-your-poison option of Victor Hedman or Ryan McDonagh primed to come over the boards on the back end for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions.