Leafs Preview 30: Duck Hunting

After breaking their overtime losing streak, the Leafs sit 3rd in the NHL, behind New Jersey and the Bruins. Last year after 29 games, they sat at 40 points, so they are 2 points ahead of their franchise record season. The Leafs face a rather bad Ducks team that is sitting last in the NHL. I figured the Ducks wouldn’t be great, but I didn’t think they’d be in last place. With that said, the Leafs can’t view tonight as an easy game, and they need to compete with effort for a full 60 minutes.

Leafs Projected Lineup

Forwards

Bunting – Matthews – Nylander

Malgin – Tavares – Marner

Kerfoot – Kämpf – Engvall

Aston-Reese – Holmberg – Anderson

Defense

Giordano – Holl

Sandin – Liljegren

Brodie – Timmins

Goalies

Samsonov

Murray

Ducks Projected Lineup

Forwards

Henrique – Zegra – Terry

Comtois – Strome – Vatrano

Jones – McTavish- Leason

Megna – Carrick – Silfverberg

Defense

Fowler – Kulikov

Benoit – Klingberg

Vaakanainen – Shattenkirk

Goalies

Dostal

Gibson

3 Things to Look Out For

1. Nylander

Nylander is coming off a 5 point game and looks to keep up the great season he is having tonight. He is currently on pace for career highs in goals and points as he sits at 17 goals and 33 points in 29 games played. At the same time, people may not realize how Nylander has been contributing defensively as well. He sits 5th in the league in On-Ice Goals% and has the 5th lowest goals against per 60 minutes of all NHL players who have played more than 300 minutes this season. Nylander has developed into a two-way player, and he will look to continue his hot streak tonight after being named last week’s NHL 3rd star.

2. Sandin

Sandin and Liljegren have been tested in increased roles since Rielly and Brodie went out with injuries. Since then, Brodie has returned, but Sandin and Liljegren are still playing lots of minutes each night. They have passed the eye test and seemingly got better each game. Sandin made some mistakes early in the season that had fans questioning his ceiling, but with his recent play, he is proving fans that doubted him wrong. He has also been a solid addition to the powerplay unit as well. Keep an eye on him tonight as he looks to continue elevating his game.

3. Timmins

Timmins has gotten into three games with the Leafs so far this season. He has also been someone who passed the eye test so far. Ever since playing with Brodie, he has looked solid, and I’m not sure whether that’s due to playing with Brodie or becoming increasingly comfortable with the Leafs’ systems. Timmins is gaining his coach’s trust, and he looks to continue that solid play in hopes of staying in the lineup when more of the team is back from injury.

Samsonov starts tonight as the Leafs take on the Ducks at 7:00 pm EST on TSN4.

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

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