The Leafs have had a hot November once again, sitting at a record of 7-1-3 in the month. Today, the Leafs face off against the Wild in a rare afternoon game. The Wild have been a fairly average team this year, even though they have some solid players. The Leafs will look to play a solid game while hopefully not ending up with any more defense injuries, as Benn is also likely to be out over a week. The newly acquired Timmins doesn’t look to be playing today, but I am sure, with these injuries, that he will be in the lineup soon.
Leafs Projected Lineup
Forwards
Bunting – Matthews – Nylander
Järnkrok – Tavares – Marner
Kerfoot- Holmberg – Simmonds
Aston-Reese – Kämpf – Engvall
Defense
Giordano – Holl
Sandin – Liljegren
Mete – Hollowell
Goalies
Murray
Källgren
Wild Projected Lineup
Forwards
Kaprizov – Steel – Zuccarello
Greenway – Gaudreau – Boldy
Duhaime – Eriksson Ek – Foligno
Reaves – Dewar – Petan
Defense
Middleton – Spurgeon
Goligoski – Dumba
Merrill – Addison
Goalies
Fleury
Gustavsson
Three Things to Look Out For
Simmonds
It’s been over a month waiting, but Simmonds is finally drawing back into the lineup. I’m sure that he will look a little rusty during the first shift or two, but he’s the type of player who should be able to get back to speed quickly, as he’s quite the hard worker. I’m sure the fact that the Wild recently acquired Ryan Reaves is also a factor in Simmonds being dressed.
Mete
Due to more defensive injuries, Mete has found himself back in the lineup. Mete has played decently well so far this season for the Marlies and is earning of this callup. He is a smooth skater and moves the puck well. He draws in on the third pairing, but it will be interesting to see his impact on the breakout.
Järnkrok
Järnkrok has only played one game in the top 6, but he looks to be back in the top 6 for today’s game against the wild. Keefe has been experimenting more lately, and it will be interesting to see how Järnkrok could fit in on the line with Marner and Tavares. With Marner being a skilled playmaker and Tavares being a swiss-army knife who grinds for the puck, having a player like Järnkrok, with a solid shot, has the potential to really complement his linemates. It will be interesting to see if Järnkrok’s shot gets a chance to shine in today’s game.
You can watch today’s game live at 2:00 pm EST on TSN4!
Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @nathan_bondy.
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