Toronto, ON – The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing off against the Arizona Coyotes tonight as both teams look to get back into the win column. The Leafs lost the last game after going on a 7-game winning streak, while the Coyotes are on a 13-game losing streak. The Leafs will look to play a solid game at a playoff level, rather than playing down to their opponent.
- TV: Sportsnet
- Radio: TSN 1050
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last Meeting:
The Leafs and Coyotes last faced off against each other on the Leafs latest road trip at Mullett Arena on February 21st. The Leafs came out on top with a 6-3 victory that saw Matthews score his 50th and 51st goal of the season in front of his parents. The Leafs will look to play another strong game against the Coyotes tonight.
LEAFS QUICK LOOK (33-17-8)
3rd in the Atlantic, 9th in the NHL
Leafs to Keep an Eye on:
- Joseph Woll is returning from injury tonight and will be the starter after being out since December 7th with a high ankle sprain. The Leafs loaned Woll to the Marlies this past weekend on a conditioning stint and he stopped 36 of the 37 shots he faced. Woll has been a calming presence in the Leafs’ net and won the starting job before going out with the injury. With Samsonov returning to form, it will be important for Woll to play a strong game if he wants the starter’s job back.
- TJ Brodie is back on the right side of Rielly after being on the left while Rielly was out with a suspension. TJ Brodie played his best hockey of the season in those 5 games and in glimpses of playing on the right side for shifts here and there since he didn’t look as good. TJ Brodie will look to rebound tonight and play a strong game and show he can handle minutes on the right side.
- Pontus Holmberg is projected to skate in tonight’s game which marks his 70th NHL game. The 70th game is important because after the game is played it means that a player can no longer go to the minors without passing through waivers. Having Holmberg play his 70th tonight over Gregor shows that the Leafs have hopes for Holmberg. Holmberg has earned a spot on this lineup but will need to continue to play well as potential deadline moves may come in, trying to take his spot in the lineup.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @ITRnathanbondy.
