After what feels like a lifetime, the Leafs are back for another gameday. The Leafs had four days off and will look to come out tonight with a full effort and not lay back and take control of tonight’s game. The Leafs need to start on time, especially with rested bodies. While points are important, the Leafs will also be hoping to have a strong all-around game start-to-finish in hopes of adding another regulation win.
Leafs Projected Lineup
Three Things to Look Out For
Lagesson
William Lagesson has been a pleasant surprise in this Leafs lineup, staying composed and playing a simple game. Lagesson has eased the urgency of an inevitable addition on the back-end. Lagesson will look to continue his solid play against the Senators as he hopes to help his team defensively. Lagesson reads, plays well and often is in the right position defensively, but where his game could use the most help is breaking the puck out of his own zone. Sure, he’s not an offensive defenseman, but being able to effectively break out the puck makes a major difference.
Robertson
Nick Robertson has been with the Leafs for 11 games this season, and in that time he has three goals and three assists for a total of six points. That’s a decent pace for the young winger, especially since he’s been deployed on the third line and has gotten limited powerplay usage. Robertson looks like a full-time NHL player and will look to continue to impress as the season goes on. As seasons go on and playoffs get near, teams often cut their young guns out of the lineup in favour of veterans, but Robertson has a chance to legitimately win his spot in the lineup. Robertson will look to continue to work hard and earn his spot as not just an everyday NHL player but a player that should be in your playoff lineup.
Reaves
Ryan Reaves has not looked great in his time with Toronto. He’s had about two, maybe three, effective games out of the 17 games that he’s played. His ice time seems to be getting lower and lower, and last game, he played for under seven minutes. Reaves will look to be effective in his ice time, but as ice time trends downwards, each shift becomes more and more important for Reaves as he seems to be on the verge of fully losing his roster spot.
Today’s game starts at 7 p.m. EST on TSN, with Woll getting another start as the Leafs look to win this battle of Ontario!
Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @ITRnathanbondy.
