The Leafs get a rematch against the Coyotes tonight as they look to continue building momentum into the new year. The Leafs lost their last and only other matchup of the season 4-2 against the Coyotes in October. They will look to have a better effort tonight and not underestimate what the Coyotes can do. Tonight is also a significant game as Rielly returns and Dryden Hunt makes his Leafs debut. This is the Leafs’ first game in the Mullett arena, and it will be interesting to see how the atmosphere will be in the smaller arena.
Leafs Projected Lineup
Forwards
Bunting – Matthews – Nylander
Järnkrok – Tavares – Marner
Kerfoot – Kämpf – Engvall
Aston-Reese – Holmberg – Hunt
Defense
Giordano – Holl
Rielly – Liljegren
Brodie – Timmins
Goalies
Murray
Samsonov
Coyotes Projected Lineup
Forwards
Keller – Boyd – Schmaltz
Carcone – Bjugstad – Crouse
Ritchie – Hayton – Fischer
Brown – McBain – Kassian
Defense
Chychrun – Gostisbehere
Valimaki – Moser
Nemeth – Stecher
Goalies
Vejmelka
Ingram
Three Things to Look Out For
1. Rielly
Tonight Rielly finds himself returning to the lineup for the first time since November 21st. The team has stepped up and performed quite well in his absence, but having him back in the lineup will be a big boost to the team. As much as an injury sucks for anyone, I think his teammates are better players because of increased minutes, and now with Rielly back, the whole core can take another step to the next level. It will be interesting to see if, with Rielly back, they stick to the five-forward power play or not, but for tonight, he will find himself on the second unit. Look for Rielly to take a bit of time to warm back up to game action but to be a key part of the lineup.
2. Anderson
After trading Malgin for Hunt, it was a matter of time before seeing Hunt in the lineup. Hunt seems fired up to be playing, and I’m sure he will try to bring lots of energy to try and gain not only the coach’s love but the fans’ as well. Hunt looks to add physicality as well as solid defensive play as he comes into the lineup tonight with the Leafs.
3. Murray
Murray finds himself back between the pipes tonight as the Leafs look to secure a win against the Coyotes. Murray’s game tonight is important, as he may get some runway with the net with a good game, as Samsonov has had a few less impressive games lately. Murray is a calm presence in the Leafs net and will be looking to get right back into the rhythm of things after not playing in just over a week.
Tonight’s game starts at 9:00 pm EST and can be watched on Sportsnet!
Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @nathan_bondy.
