Toronto, ON – The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing off against the New Jersey Devils tonight for the first time this season. The Leafs are coming off of a close 2-1 loss against the Hurricanes. After two days of rest, the team will look to come out tonight with energy as they continue towards clinching a playoff spot. The Devils are 5-5-0 but will need to rack up wins here if they want to be making the playoffs.
- TV: TSN4
- Radio: SN FAN 590
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last Meeting:
The Leafs and Devils last faced off just over a year ago, on March 7th. The Leafs came out on top with a close 4-3 victory over the Devils. The Devils have had more struggles this season, but they still have talented offensive power, so the Leafs will need to play a solid defensive and offensive game to get past the Devils tonight.
LEAFS QUICK LOOK (40-21-9)
3rd in the Atlantic, 9th in the NHL
Leafs to Keep an Eye on:
- Ilya Lyubushkin is back in the lineup after spending some time out with illness. Lyubushkin is another player who has played well defensively for the Leafs after not looking as great on his previous team. With Lyubushkin paired with Brodie, his assignment will be to help shut down the Devils’ offense. Keep an eye on Lyubushkin as he looks to get back to the rhythms of the game quickly.
- Simon Benoit has been in and out of the lineup as of late but has been a bright spot on the Leafs this season. Benoit is a fan favourite and isn’t afraid to “hit the bodies” for his teammates. Benoit is fighting for a roster spot for the rest of the season and playoffs here as the team begins to get healthy again. Benoit will look to defend well tonight while also using his physicality to separate opposing players from the puck.
- Timothy Liljegren has played well since the trade deadline and has been given further opportunities in the lineup. Liljegren has been receiving powerplay time and with Rielly questionable for tonight’s game it looks like Liljegren will be receiving even more minutes tonight. Liljegren is a skilled player who ultimately needs playing time to continue developing. With each game as of late, he looks like a defender who can keep up in the playoffs and will try to keep growing his case for a spot in the lineup.
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