LGP 42: McMann Makes NHL Debut, Matthews Resting

Marner #16 and Murray #30 celebrate after Leafs win Photo: Maple Leafs Twitter

The Leafs will look to beat a hot Nashville team tonight that’s won 4 straight, without the help of Auston Matthews, as he recovers from an ailment. Matt Murray gets the nod as he looks to prove that his last strong start wasn’t a fluke.

Leafs Projected Lineup

Predators Projected Lineup

Forwards

Forsberg – Parssinen – Sissons

Jankowski – Johansen – Duchene

Niederreiter – Glass – Granlund

Trenin – Novak – Jeannot

Defense

McDonagh – Josi

Ekholm – Carrier

Lauzon – Fabbro

Goalies

Saros

Lankinen

Three Things to Look Out For

McMann

McMann has impressed with the Marlies all season long and has finally earned his call-up. He provides size and speed as well as a great shot. This past Sunday, he netted two goals and hit the post on a chance at a third. It was about time, and after receiving the AHL player of the week nomination, he will finally get his chance, playing on the Leafs third line.

Nylander

With Matthews out, there were multiple options for the Leafs. I would have thought they would reunite Holmberg and Nylander as they had in the preseason, but instead, Nylander gets a nod as the first-line center. Nylander has had a phenomenal season and is on pace for record highs in both goals and points. He will look to continue elevating the first line, but this time without superstar Matthews.

Engvall

Engvall finds himself on the first line tonight and has an opportunity to prove his worth to the team. Keep an eye on him tonight as he looks to provide more offense and likely take some faceoffs too. Engvall has been a solid piece on this roster after a slow start and is looking to continue his momentum.

The Leafs take on the Predators at 7:30 PM EST tonight on Sportsnet.

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

2-0? In THIS Economy? Leafs Late Night

WELCOME BACK TO LEAFS LATE NIGHT! Presented by Inside The RinkRoscoe / Biehner – Shots vs Results- Knock On Wood- Domi's Legacy- Roscoe Rant- Stolarz vs GriegNEW MERCH IS AVAILABLE!JOIN OUR DISCORD!Remember to follow us on Twitter @LeafsLateNight & IG @LeafsLateNightCheck out Mike, Josh, and Nathan's articles on the Leafs + many more! insidetherink.comHow to support us and our sponsors:TicketmasterColumbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITR
  1. 2-0? In THIS Economy?
  2. The Battle of Ontario: Remastered Edition
  3. Saint Joseph Woll
  4. Vanquishing Rivals of Yesteryear
  5. Lawesome-Tawesome

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

ECHL North Division Finals – Game 3 Recap: Trois-Rivieres Lions vs Norfolk Admirals

On Thursday night, the North Division Finals shifted to Norfolk, Virginia. The two teams split the first two games in TR. Norfolk would make a change in net as they went with Domenic DiVicentiis. The 21-year-old goaltender also started Game 3 of the North Division Semifinals, making 29 saves in a win. In game 2 […]

Read More
Mikko Rantanen skating for the Dallas Stars

Opinion: Stars’ Mikko Rantanen Returns to Form At the Right Time

It was clear that Mikko Rantanen was not exactly about being traded by the Colorado Avalanche, the only NHL club he had ever known. It was in Colorado where he spent close to 11 seasons, won a Stanley Cup in 2022, had 681 points (287 goals and 394 assists), and made lifelong friends. That is […]

Read More

Edmonton Oilers Playoff Thoughts: Round 2, Game 2

It takes four wins to advance, but the Edmonton Oilers historically lose almost every Game 1. In their last 15 rounds, including Tuesday night, they’ve won only four series openers. Even in 2006, they only won one Game 1. If you include that Playoff run, just for laughs, the record is 5 Game 1 wins […]

Read More