PREVIEW: Maple Leafs, Lightning Set for Atlantic Division Clash TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging Tampa Bay Lightning will host the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs in a key Atlantic Division matchup on Wednesday night at Amalie Arena. The Lightning (37-18) enter as one of the NHL’s hottest teams, having won eight of their last 10 games. They are coming off a dominant 6-1 victory over in-state rival Florida on Feb. 5, where goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 33 of 34 shots. Tampa Bay’s recent success has been built on both ends of the ice, outscoring opponents 36-18 over their last seven contests. In contrast, the Maple Leafs (27-30) have lost seven of their last 10 and are trying to stabilize their season. They snapped a four-game skid with a 5-2 road win in Edmonton on Feb. 3, led by a four-point night from Matias Maccelli (two goals, two assists). Goaltender Anthony Stolarz made 34 saves in that victory. The teams last met on Dec. 8, 2025, in Toronto, where the Maple Leafs shut out the Lightning 2-0. The result offers a sliver of optimism for the visitors, but the current trajectories of the clubs are starkly different. Toronto’s recent road form has been inconsistent, mixing wins in Calgary and Vancouver with lopsided losses in Seattle and Buffalo. Defensive lapses have been costly, as they have allowed four or more goals in six of their last 10 games. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, has been nearly unbeatable at home, boasting a 7-2-1 record in their last 10 games at Amalie Arena. Their offense has found a rhythm, supported by Vasilevskiy’s return to elite form in net. This game opens a critical home-and-home set between the division foes. They will meet again in Toronto on Saturday, March 7. For the Maple Leafs, the contest represents a chance to gain ground and prove they can compete with the conference’s elite. For the Lightning, it is an opportunity to solidify their standing and continue their push toward the top of the Eastern Conference. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.