Montreal, QC – The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing off against the Montreal Canadiens tonight after clinching a playoff spot last night due to the Capitals, Red Wings, and Flyers all losing last night. The Leafs and Canadiens are on the opposite end of things as the Leafs head to the playoffs while the Canadiens are eliminated, but whenever the two teams face off it’s a close hard-fought battle. Tonight will be much of the same as the Leafs look to play a full 60 minutes to try and establish their playoff positioning.
- TV: Sportsnet
- Radio: TSN 1050
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last Meeting:
The Leafs and Lightning last faced off on March 9th, shortly after the trade deadline. The game was a close game, even tied up until just under 7 minutes left in the game, when Leafs captain John Tavares scored, leading the Leafs to a 3-2 win over the Canadiens. Tonight should be another hard-fought game from both sides, as the classic Montreal and Toronto rivalry lives on.
LEAFS QUICK LOOK (43-23-9)
3rd in the Atlantic, 10th in the NHL
Leafs to Keep an Eye on:
- Mitch Marner returns to the lineup tonight after being out since March 6th. Marner suffered a lower-body injury believed to be a high ankle sprain and communication of his status has been spotty. With Marner back, he should provide a boost offensively, on the top powerplay and the penalty kill. Marner will look to pick things up quickly on a line with Tavares and McMann.
- Pontus Holmberg has seemingly found a more consistent role on the Leafs this year and has been playing roughly third-line minutes. He has had flashes of offensive skill, as well as a consistently high hockey IQ. The Swedish forward will be paired with another Swede in William Nylander, and the two will look to build some chemistry with the offensive firepower split between three lines.
- Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi found a home on the top line with Matthews throughout Marner’s injury and have gained momentum and chemistry with Matthews in the process. Both forwards struggled out of the gate this season, but have been finding their game at the right time for the Leafs. This has allowed the Leafs to split their forwards up more to create multiple dangerous offensive lines. Look for the two feisty wingers to continue playing well as they look to stay paired with Matthews.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @ITRnathanbondy.
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