Matthews, Marner lead the way as Toronto Maple Leafs thump 5-0 Lightning in Game 1

"It was a good night for us, but it's one night," Keefe said. "Put your head on the pillow tonight and enjoy it. When you wake up it's done, it's over."

TORONTO — Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe predicted a “borderline violent” playoff series against a battle-tested opponent.

That was the case both early and late Monday.

In between, Toronto ran the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions out of the rink with speed, tenacity and timely contributions up and down the lineup.

Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner had three points each, Jack Campbell made 24 saves for the second post-season shutout of his career, and the Leafs thumped the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-0 in Game 1 of their first-round matchup.

“We just played fast,” said Matthews, who scored twice after leading the NHL with 60 goals in 2021-22. “We played through the contact.”

Marner, meanwhile, snapped a playoff slump that had seen him go 18 contests without finding the back of the net.

“Can’t do anything about the past,” said the winger, parroting a line he’s used all season. “I’m here to focus on the now. I’m here to focus on what I can do to help our team win.

“Just like everyone else in that locker room.”