Leafs Battling Sickness: Leafs Game Preview 26

It’s another game day for the Leafs as they face off against the Rangers tonight in the second half of a back-to-back. Leafs captain John Tavares scored his 1,00th career NHL point last night, but ultimately the Leafs fell in overtime. This Leafs team is also battling some sickness, as was seen with Lagesson and Samsonov both missing some time. Keefe disclosed this morning that other players are battling sickness too, which may affect the lineup. With that said, let’s take a look below at what we do know about the Leafs lineup for tonight.

Leafs Projected Lineup

Three Things to Look Out For

Jones

With Joseph Woll injured and being on the second half of a back-to-back, Martin Jones will be making his first start with the Leafs. Jones has been in the NHL for quite some time now, and having a veteran third-string goaltender surely makes the team feel much better about their goaltending, and it’s for situations just like this. Jones hasn’t had amazing stats for the past few seasons, but he’s helped get the job done when a win is needed and will look to do the same tonight. Keep an eye on Jones tonight as he looks to play a composed game.

McMann

Based on reports, it also seems like McMann will be drawing into the Leafs roster. McMann has flashes of speed and has scored at a high rate with the Marlies in the AHL. It’s important for McMann to be getting opportunities as he is at the age where he needs to start making an impact if he wants to be an everyday NHL player. McMann will look to create some secondary scoring and speed on the Leafs fourth line tonight.

Bertuzzi

Bertuzzi has defensively been one of the Leafs best forwards so far this season. His advanced stats lead the Leafs in many different categories, but the actual results haven’t followed quite as much. Bertuzzi is a very skilled player with true playmaking ability, and he is doing the right things defensively. Bertuzzi does add to this lineup, and has been effective, but in order to gain more value and ice time he will need to convert on his chances more often. Keep an eye on Bertuzzi as he looks to continue his solid play and hopefully elevate it to another gear.

Tonight’s game starts at 7 p.m. EST on TSN!

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