Game Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Dallas Stars | 02/07/2024

Toronto, ON – After hosting the All-Star festivities in Toronto, the Leafs then hosted the Islanders on Monday night, losing the game in regulation. With a tight race in the standings, the Leafs will look to get back into the win column tonight against the Dallas Stars.

• TV: Sportsnet
• Radio: SN FAN 590
• Time: 7:00 PM ET

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Last Meeting:

The Leafs and Stars faced off against each other earlier this season, with the Leafs coming out on top, in a 4-1 win on October 26, 2023. The Leafs have won the last 5 matchups against the stars and will look to make that 6 in a row tonight. The Stars have a dangerous offense, so if the Leafs want to pull out a win, they will need a strong defensive effort and a full 60 minutes of hockey.

LEAFS QUICK LOOK (25-15-8)

4^th in the Atlantic, 12^th in the NHL

Leafs to Keep an Eye on:

• Ilya Samsonov has seemingly won the starter’s net back for the Leafs until Woll is back from injury after it seemed like his tenure with the Leafs was over. It takes a lot to fight back from slumps as large as the one Samsonov has, and it’s seemingly like the Samsonov from last season is starting to show up more and more. Goaltending is important and will be a factor in tonight’s game.
• Tyler Bertuzzi has been on a massive slump, including a called-back goal for “goaltender interference”. Even before his slump though, he wasn’t producing at a high level with the Leafs. Bertuzzi is creating chances but seemingly can’t finish on those chances. He needs to keep pushing through, but at the same time needs to find a way to get the puck in the back of the net.
• Timothy Liljegren has had some positive development moments this season but has also made mistakes too. Liljegren has some of the tools to be a two-way defenseman in the league and can play a solid defensive game while breaking the puck out of the zone, but to be effective, especially in a top-4 role, he can’t be making as many mistakes. Liljegren has admitted that it’s been a tough stretch for him, and he will look to rebound tonight against the Stars.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @ITRnathanbondy.

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