Dubas returns to Toronto as the Penguins and Leafs face off tonight. The Leafs have been entertaining to watch this year, even though their game hasn’t been as dominant as previous years. The Leafs have managed to keep earning points, though, even through sickness, and will hope to earn two points tonight. Knies is back in the lineup after dealing with illness, but Brodie is a game-time decision, also suffering from an illness.
Leafs Projected Lineup
Three Things to Look Out For
Liljegren
After suffering a high ankle sprain on November 2nd, Liljegren is finally back in the Leafs lineup. Liljegren has been missed, and he was progressing towards a breakout year. It will take time for Liljegren to ease back into NHL level play, but his presence should be a boost for the Leaf’s back end.
Jones
Martin Jones has only played approximately 70 minutes with the Leafs, but has looked composed in that time, helping the Leafs towards two wins. Jones finds himself starting again tonight, after Samsonov once again struggled last game. Jones has a real shot to win the net until Woll returns, especially if Samsonov continues to struggle. That starts tonight as Jones looks to help push the Leafs past the Penguins.
Matthews
Austin Matthews has been phenomenal this season. Matthews has 23 goals and 35 points in 27 games this season. That pace would put Matthews around the 70-goal pace and 106 points. That would be a career-high in goals and tied for a career-high in points. Keep an eye on Matthews tonight as he looks to play another full two-way game.
Tonight’s game starts at 7 p.m. EST on Sportsnet and CBC!
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