Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning Playoff Prediction: Can Auston Matthews and company break their first-round curse?

With the NHL postseason rapidly approaching, only one first-round series has been confirmed: the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning. In a true matchup of Eastern Conference powerhouses, fans across the NHL will be looking forward to a showdown between two of the top teams in the league.

"Tampa Bay Lightning clinch playoff berth, lock in 1st-round matchup vs. Toronto Maple Leafs." - theScore

When comparing the two teams, it truly is a matchup of polar opposite franchises. The Tampa Bay Lightning have been the most successful club in the past 10 years, winning two Stanley Cup titles and reaching the finals last season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, on the other hand, have had the complete opposite level of success in the postseason. Each year, the Maple Leafs have been one of the most dynamic teams in the regular season, only to choke every season in the first round of the playoffs.

"Will the Leafs finally get past the first round, or will the Lightning WIN again?!?" - The Rod Pederson Show

But could this finally be the year that Auston Matthews and the Leafs will break their first-round curse? Here is a closer look at the matchup with the Lightning.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have loaded up for a deep playoff run

After years of falling short, Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas and the front office loaded up before the trade deadline. The Leafs added several key pieces at the deadline in hopes that the new roster could get them past the first round for the first time since 2004.

Notable additions to the Maple Leafs' roster this season include Ryan O'Reilly, Erik Gustafsson, Luke Schenn, Sam Lafferty, Jake McCabe and Noel Acciari. The moves certainly addressed some of the Leafs' weaknesses, providing the club with additional depth on offense and defense.

"Ryan O'Reilly is really loving Toronto, eh?" - NHL

While Toronto has certainly improved its roster from top to bottom, its main focus heading into the playoffs will be health. O'Reilly, who started his Toronto Maple Leafs career on a blistering hot streak, has been out of action for several weeks with a broken finger, though he is expected to return soon.

Is this the final stand for the Tampa Bay Lighting?

While there is no denying the accomplishments of the current Lightning roster, time may have caught up to the team. Throughout the majority of the season, Tampa Bay has not looked like the powerhouse dynasty that it has been in recent years, leading fans to believe that this core may be nearing its end.

This is understandable given the fact that the Lightning core of Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman and Nikita Kucherov have played more hockey than any team in the NHL in the past few seasons thanks to their Stanley Cup runs.

"Maple Leafs Vs Lightning 1st round matchup. Again… #leafsnation #GoBolts Ray & Benny on YouTube:" - Ray & Benny Talk Sports

That being said, the Lightning can never be ruled out given their playoff experience, which is why many Leafs fans are currently entering the playoffs with an uneasy feeling.

Prediction: With the NHL Gods seemingly working against the Toronto Maple Leafs every season, this could finally be the season that they overcome their historical failures. We could see Auston Matthews and the Leafs finally moving on from the first round, however, it won't come easy; expect a long series.