It’s the Leafs last home game of the season, and they will be looking to have a strong showing against the Canadiens tonight. We are just about a week away from the end of the season, and the Leafs will be looking to finalize their playoff lines. Tonight is also important because Leafs’ prospect Matthew Knies is playing in the Frozen Four championship game at the same time as the Leafs game. Knies looks to be coming to Toronto this week, hopefully with a championship ring.
Leafs Projected Lineup
Canadiens Projected Lineup
Forwards
Harvey-Pinard – Suzuki – Armia
Gurianov – Drouin – Gallagher
Hoffman – Evans – Pitlick
Pezzetta – Tierney – Ylonen
Defense
Matheson – Barron
Edmunson – Widenan
Schueneman – Kovacevic
Goalies
Montembeault
Primeau
Three Things to Look Out For
Simmonds
Simmonds is back in the lineup tonight, with Järnkrok day to day with an injury. This is an important game for Simmonds; with a healthy lineup, he’s the odd man out and maybe even the 14th forward once Knies arrives. Keep an eye on Simmonds tonight as he looks to positively impact what could be his last home game as a Leaf.
Gustafsson
Gustafsson also draws back in the lineup tonight, and although he may not get many playoff games with the Leafs, he has things he can bring to the table. Gustafsson hasn’t been the best player since joining the Leafs, but he will look to change that tonight as he gets playing time in the game and on the top powerplay unit.
Nylander
Nylander has been having a career season but recently has found himself in a slump. Nylander is an elite winger and will be playing alongside Tavares and O’Reilly. Nylander will look to start getting on a roll to build momentum into the playoffs.
Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 PM EST on Sportsnet and CBC!
Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @nathan_bondy.
