The Leafs are back after the Christmas break, and tonight is the first Next Gen game of the season for the Leafs. The Leafs will take on the Senators tonight and hope to extend their solid December. Martin Jones gets the start after another solid showing last game, while Matthews looks to continue making history with his goal scoring.
Leafs Projected Lineup
Three Things to Look Out For
Marner
Historically, Mitch Marner has been a star in Next Gen games. His most memorable of which came against the Hurricanes. Marner was recently shifted back to the top line with Matthews and had a decent first game with him. Marner will look to have another solid game and help contribute to the team, both offensively and defensively. He has been an effective player this year but hasn’t quite been as effective as the last couple of seasons, and will look to change that tonight.
Domi
Domi has received some mixed reactions in Toronto since joining the Leafs. Most of these have been positive and excited reactions, while some have come with criticism. Domi has had decent results in a third line centre role and ultimately has helped produce some much-needed secondary scoring. Domi will look to add to that secondary scoring while trying to keep his defensive game in check as well.
Robertson
It appears that Nick Robertson has finally broken into the NHL in a more full-time role, but unfortunately, that isn’t quite the end of the story. Robertson’s hustle has been noticed, and he never gives up on a play, but Keefe has noted that he is considering changing things up on the third line. Robertson hasn’t been given ice time on special teams with the Leafs this season, and it seems like his ice time has slowly been decreasing. It’s up to Robertson to play an effective game and continue pushing for more ice time.
Tonight’s game starts at 7 p.m. EST on Sportsnet!
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