Philadelphia, PA – The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing off against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight after a shootout loss against the Hurricanes. The Leafs have been changing their lines after the deadline, partly due to injuries, but also to gain insight into what lines might work well for the playoffs.
- TV: TSN4
- Radio: TSN 1050
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last Meeting:
The Leafs and Flyers last faced off March 14th, last week where the Leafs came out on top in a 6-2 victory. The Flyers had a hot start to the season, but have been falling as of late and are in a battle for the postseason while the Leafs struggled more to start the season and now find themselves playing a much more consistent game. Both teams will battle hard, as the Leafs look to continue their offensive domination of the Flyers, while the Flyers hope to change things up and contain the Leafs.
LEAFS QUICK LOOK (38-19-9)
3rd in the Atlantic, 9th in the NHL
Leafs to Keep an Eye on:
- Simon Benoit is poised to return to the lineup with Lyubushking out due to illness. Benoit has the motivation to play a strong game tonight and wants to force Keefe’s hand into keeping him in the lineup. The rest was probably a good thing for Benoit, who had minor aspects of his game slip but has been a great success story for the Leafs this season. Keep an eye on Benoit tonight in his return to the lineup.
- Timothy Liljegren has been a major point of discussion this season especially with Benoit being taken out of the lineup in favour of Liljegren. This seems like a make-it-or-break-it year for Liljegren as he needs to prove he can be relied upon in the regular season and as a playoff option. Liljegren has played a better game when he’s been given more responsibilities and tonight that includes an opportunity on the top powerplay unit that has been struggling lately. I look at K’Andre Miller with the New York Rangers, who had shown inconsistencies in his game but has looked much more solid after being relied upon and given consistent minutes. Look for Liljegren to excel tonight in increased minutes.
- Ryan Reaves has bounced in and out of the lineup throughout the season and finds himself in tonight’s lineup. Reaves is a physical player who isn’t afraid to stick up for his teammates. Reaves ultimately has been on for many goals against and has been trying to change that as of late. Reaves needs to be both active in the play and defend well. Watch out for Reaves tonight as he battles for a spot on the Leafs fourth line.
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