The Maple Leafs believed they were up to the occasion, but the other clan, hardened by long spring runs, proved to be the best of the two in this fifth duel.
The pressure has just increased for the Toronto team, which must return abroad to try to get rid of a jinx that has confined it to the first round for nearly 20 years.
Michael Eyssimont had a goal and an assist as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Leafs 4-2 on Thursday to force a sixth game in the series.
Anthony Cirelli, Nick Paul and Alex Killorn, in an empty net, also scored for the Lightning, while Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 28 shots.
“Our guys weren’t to be counted out,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. That said, it was just one game and we have a long way to go. »
Morgan Rielly and Auston Matthews replied for the Maple Leafs. John Tavares had two assists and Ilya Samsonov made 34 saves.
The Maple Leafs now lead the series 3-2. Game 6 is Saturday in Tampa, and a final game, if needed, would be Monday in Toronto.
“At this time of year, it’s a few inches here and there that make the difference,” said Rielly.
The Maple Leafs squandered an opportunity to win their first series since 2004. They were eliminated in seven games by the Lightning last spring and are now 0-10 since 2018 when they had the opportunity to eliminate their opponent.
The score was 1-1 after the first period, then the Lightning took the lead after 4:23 of play in the second period. Eyssimont caught Samsonov between the pads with a seemingly harmless shot.
The second period ended in controversy. Pat Maroon tackled Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano from behind against the ramp. No penalty was initially called on the play. Maroon finally received a roughing penalty at the end of the scrum which followed his gesture.
Giordano joined his teammates on the bench shortly after the start of the third period.
The Maple Leafs had a few power-play opportunities, but Vasilevskiy shut the door. He then frustrated Mitch Marner on a breakaway.
Paul dealt a blow to the hopes of Maple Leafs fans by widening the gap to 3-1 at 11:53 of the final period. He hit the mark when Samsonov was the victim of a contact with his teammate David Kampf.
The Maple Leafs replaced Samsonov with an extra forward with 3:34 left in regulation, then Matthews took advantage of a loose puck to close the gap to one goal.
They continued to attack the Lightning net, but Killorn delivered the knockout blow with five seconds left.