The 2022 first-round series between the Maple Leafs and Lightning was one to remember, going the full seven games. So let's run it back in 2023, shall we?
The two clubs finished as the Nos. 2 and 3 seeds in the Atlantic, with the Maple Leafs holding home-ice advantage for the series.
MORE: Watch 2023 NHL playoff games on ESPN with Fubo
The Maple Leafs are still looking for that elusive playoff series win that has avoided the club since 2004. The club has suffered an unprecedented six consecutive series losses in the first round, looking to avoid a seventh-straight early exit in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Lightning are the three-time reigning Eastern Conference champions, coming off a loss to the Avalanche in the 2022 Stanley Cup Final. Tampa Bay is looking to get back to the championship round for the fourth consecutive time, which has not been done since the Islanders in the early '80s.
The Sporting News has all you need to know to watch Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Game 1.
NHL PLAYOFFS: FULL BRACKET | PREDICTIONS | POWER RANKINGS
What channel is Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Game 1 on?
- TV Channel (U.S.): ESPN
- TV Channel (Canada): SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS
- Live stream (U.S.): ESPN+, ESPN app, Fubo
- Live stream (Canada): SN NOW, CBC Gem, CBC Sports app
The Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Game 1 is set to air live in the United States on ESPN. Fans in Canada can watch the action on Sportsnet, CBC or TVA Sports for the French-speaking audience.
For those looking to live stream the game, ESPN+ and the ESPN app are options in the United States, in addition to Fubo, which carries all NHL playoff games on ESPN and has a free trial.
In Canada, streamers can watch the game through SN NOW, CBC Gem or the CBC Sports app.
Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Game 1 start time
- Date: Tuesday, April 18
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
The Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Game 1 puck drop is set for Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The game is being played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ont.
Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Game 1 odds
- Puckline: Leafs -1.5 (+161) | Lightning +1.5 (-194)
- Moneyline: Leafs -165 | Lightning +138
- O/U: 6.0
The Leafs enter Game 1 as the favorites at home against the Lightning to start the first-round series.
Odds provided by Sports Interaction.
Maple Leafs vs. Lightning series schedule
| Date | Site | Time (ET) | TV |
| Tue., April 18 | at Toronto | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC, TVAS |
| Thu., April 20 | at Toronto | 7 p.m. | ESPN, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| Sat., April 22 | at Tampa Bay | 7 p.m. | TBS, SN, CBC, TVAS |
| Mon., April 24 | at Tampa Bay | 7:30 p.m. | TBS, SNE, SNO, SNP, CBC |
| *Thu., April 27 | at Toronto | TBD | TBD |
| *Sat., April 29 | at Tampa Bay | TBD | TBD |
| *Mon., May 1 | at Toronto | TBD | TBD |
