It’s hard to believe that it’s in the second half of January, and it’s only the second game the Leafs have played against the Canadiens. The Canadiens are without some key pieces of their lineup in Slafkovsky, Gallagher, Monahan, Evens, Armia, Caufield, and more. This season hasn’t gone well for the Habs, but they seemingly always play a hard fought game against the Leafs. The Leafs will seek revenge for the loss in their prior matchup at the beginning of the season while not playing down to their opponent.
Leafs Projected Lineup
Canadiens Projected Lineup
Forwards
Anderson – Suzuki – Pitlick
Hoffman – Dach – Dadonov
Harvey-Pinard – Dvorak – Pezzetta
Ylonen – Belzile
Defense
Matheson – Savard
Edmunson – Barron
Harris – Kovacevic
Xhekaj
Goalies
Montembeault
Primeau
Three Things to Look Out For
Matthews
Matthews has been on a heater with goals in 4 straight and points in 8 straight. He has seven goals in that period as well. It seems as if whatever was bothering him is no longer bothering him, but we will see over the next week or so if he can continue the trend of dominating the second half of the season. Matthews has played a better defensive game this year, but it’s time for results to start coming in offensively from the defensive work he’s been putting in.
Timmins
It’s a few days before Brodie is ready to join the Leafs lineup. The last time that the Leafs were healthy on the back end, Timmins was the one who was pulled from the lineup. Tonight it’s important for him to play a strong game and make the Leafs have a hard time justifying keeping him out of the lineup. Timmins has shown lots of potential but has room to grow in his own end. He’s been a solid addition, but I’m not yet sold on him for a playoff run as a mainstay.
Aston-Reese
Aston-Reese hasn’t been noticeable lately. That isn’t terrible, as that means he’s not making many mistakes, but I would like for him to stand out a bit more. The good thing is that he contributes well defensively, but the bad thing is that offensive contribution is needed too. With new players pushing for spots and the trade deadline approaching, he needs to prove why he should consistently be in the lineup. I think he has been a good addition, and I like the idea of him being a regular in the playoffs, but I’d like to see a bit more from his game.
Samsonov gets the nod tonight as the Leafs take on the Canadiens at 7 PM EST on Sportsnet!
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