Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning: Five players to watch out for in the playoffs

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.

"Maple Leafs to play Lightning in 1st round of Stanley Cup Playoffs" - NHL.com

The two teams will enter the postseason with two of the strongest rosters in the NHL. They have a few players that could play key roles in determining the outcome of the series.

Here is a closer look at players from both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning who could be crucial in deciding the winner of the first-round clash.

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#1 Auston Matthews will need to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to glory

The Toronto Maple Leafs are undoubtedly loaded with talent in the form of Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Jonathan Tavares. However, Auston Matthews will likely be the most important player for the team.

Matthews, the reigning NHL MVP, will play arguably the most important role for Toronto during the playoffs. A focal point on the top line, as well as the first unit of the powerplay, Auston Matthews will be looked at to help the Toronto Maple Leafs break their first-round curse.

"AYE PAPI. Auston Matthews (@AM34) nets his 296th career NHL goal, slotting himself at sixth on the @MapleLeafs all-time goals list. #NHLStats #NHLonSN" - NHL

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#2 Andrei Vasilevskiy could bring the Tampa Bay Lightning to the next round

While he has struggled to look like the Cy Young-winning caliber he has in recent years, Andrei Vasilevskiy remains one of the top goaltenders in the NHL. The Russian goalie has posted a 34-20 record with four shutouts and a 2.57 goals-against average in 58 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning this season.

"In his last 4 games, Andrei Vasilevskiy has made 131 saves on 134 shots, including two shutouts. Don’t let Vasy get hot." - Andrew Weiss

His numbers rank him among the best in the league. However, there have been times this season when Vasilevskiy has looked shakey for the Bolts. If they are to make another deep run towards another Stanley Cup, the goalie will be key in that.

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#3 Steven Stamkos

One of the greatest players in Tampa Bay Lightning history, Steven Stamkos will be looking to lead the Bolts to the next round over the Toronto Maple Leafs. As one of three active players in the NHL with over 500 goals, Stamkos will be a key factor in the top six as well as on the powerplay for Tampa Bay.

"Chasing Steven Stamkos and Steven Stamkos @TBLightning | #GoBolts" - NHL Network

If the Tampa Bay Lightning are to win the first round of the playoffs, Stamkos will have to play a massive role.

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#4 Ryan O'Reilly needs to return for the Toronto Maple Leafs

The players mentioned above are the true superstars of their respective franchises. Ryan O'Reilly could also be massive for Toronto, albeit in a smaller role than Matthews.

After being acquired by the Leafs before the trade deadline, O'Reilly looked rejuvenated, recording five points in his first eight games with the club. However, as quickly as he appeared for Toronto, he seemingly disappeared.

In early March, O'Reilly broke his finger, which continues to keep him out of action. The Maple Leafs will need the former Stanley Cup champion to return to the lineup if they are to defeat the talented Tampa Bay Lightning.

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#5 Will Matt Murray be healthy for the postseason?

Another player whose health could play a determining factor in the opening round of the playoffs is Matt Murray. While he is nowhere near the level of goaltender that Andrei Vasilevskiy is, Murray is an important member of the Toronto Maple Leafs' rotation.

"i don't care what anyone says - Matt Murray is a warrior and will be back. for all the people who don't believe in the guy, he was injured all season in 2016-17 and stole the crease in the playoffs to win the cup. I'm cheering for him 100%" - Run it back forever

Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov have split their time throughout the season, with Murray entering concussion protocol after a collision during a weekend tilt with the Detroit Red Wings. While both goalies are solid, they work better as a tandem than an individual.

As a result, Murray's availability will likely be key for the Toronto Maple Leafs to get past the Tampa Bay Lightning.