LGP 26: Leafs Return to Tampa for First Time Since Playoffs

Matt Murray will be between the pipes tonight as the Leafs face off against Tampa for the first time since game 7 of the playoffs last year. Both teams have had a decent start to the season, with the Leafs sitting in 2nd in the Atlantic and the Lightning right behind in 3rd place in the Atlantic. It’s a long season, but if standing positions stayed the same, that would line both teams up for a rematch in the playoffs. As I said, it’s a long journey, and there are lots of games before playoffs, including tonight’s battle between these two teams.

Leafs Projected Lineup

Forwards

Bunting – Matthews – Nylander

Robertson – Tavares – Marner

Kerfoot – Kämpf – Engvall

Aston-Reese – Holmberg – Simmonds

Defense

Giordano – Holl

Sandin – Liljegren

Mete – Hollowell

Goalies

Samsonov

Murray

Lightning Projected Lineup

Forwards

Hagel – Point – Kucherov

Stamkos – Paul – Killorn

Namestnikov – Cirelli – Colton

Maroon – Bellemare – Perry

Defense

Hedman – Sergachev

Cole – Cernak

Bogosian – Perbix

Goalies

Vasilevskiy

Elliott

Three Things to Look Out For

Marner

After several chances last game, Marner was able to get an empty net goal, extending his point streak to 18 games and tying a franchise record for the longest point streak. Tonight, he has a chance to extend the streak to 19 games and take sole possession of the record. I’m sure a lot of the talk tonight will be amount Marner throughout the game. Keep an eye on him.

Kerfoot

Kerfoot has been the newest Leafs’ victim of criticism, as the versatile forward has struggled more this year, especially with finishing scoring chances. Well, last game, he set up two key goals, one being Engvall’s game-winner, as he made a heads-up play to shoot low and create a rebound, and the other goal feeding Marner not only to extend the point streak but to give insurance for a Leafs win. He will look to use those two primary assists to build some confidence and momentum coming into tonight’s game.

Robertson

With Järnkrok injured, Robertson seems likely to get a lot more opportunity with the Leafs. That starts tonight, as he will be skating with Tavares and Marner on the second line. Look out for Robertson to try and capitalize on this opportunity and try to build into a consistent roster slot in the NHL. His brother has been in the spotlight deservedly lately, and now is the time for Nick to try and build his name and reputation at the NHL level.

You can watch today’s game live at 7:00 pm EST on Sportsnet!

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

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