Robertson SZN: Leafs Game Preview #5

Robertson #89 warms up prior to a game Photo: Claus Andersen/Getty Images

After another loss to a non-playoff team, the Leafs look to rebound as they face the surging Dallas Stars tonight. Tonight Oettinger will be resting, so the Leafs will look to capitalize on Wedgewood being between the pipes tonight for the Stars. Tonight the Leafs have two lineup changes, as Nick Robertson and Victor Mete make their season debuts, with Malgin (scratch) and Muzzin (injury) out of the lineup.

Leafs Projected Lineup

Forwards

Bunting – Matthews – Marner

Robertson – Tavares – Nylander

Engvall – Kerfoot – Järnkrok

Aston-Reese – Kämpf – Aubé-Kubel

Defense

Rielly – Brodie

Sandin – Holl

Giordano – Mete

Goalies

Samsonov

Källgren

Stars Projected Lineup

Forwards

J. Robertson – Hintz – Pavelski

Marchment – Seguin – Dellandrea

Benn – Johnston – Gurianov

Kiviranta – Faksa – Glendening

Defense

Heiskanen – Miller

Suter – Hakanpää

Lindell – Lundkvist

Goalies

Wedgewood

Oettinger

3 Things to Look Out For

1. Nick Robertson

We have talked a lot about Robertson this season, but that’s bound to happen when you score 8 points in 4 preseason games. Robertson will be stepping into the lineup for his first regular season game as he looks to cement himself as an everyday NHL player. Robertson has a wicked shot and hopes to use that paired with his deceptive footwork, to create offense for the Leafs. With Malgin scratched tonight and Robertson playing, this also means that Nylander will shift back to the right wing, where he has played the most. Keep an eye out tonight as Robertson as he faces off against his brother, Jason Robertson.

2. Victor Mete

Mete is drawing into his first regular season game with the Leafs, mainly due to the recent injury of defenseman Jake Muzzin. Mete looked composed throughout the preseason, and while he didn’t make the team out of camp, salary cap space becoming available brought him back to the main squad. Mete will be paired with veteran defenseman Mark Giordano tonight and looks to provide increased stability while keeping the Stars’ shooters to the outside. Keep an eye out for Mete to get some time on the penalty kill tonight as he looks to build momentum in his first game with the Leafs.

3. The Fourth Line

With Wayne Simmonds up with the Leafs, this adds pressure to the Leafs’ depth pieces. Although to this point, the fourth line has performed well, they will need to keep proving their spot on the team as everyday players. The line seems to understand its assignment, and I expect them to have another solid showing tonight as they use the pressure as added motivation. I think that the fourth line will combine for a goal tonight.

Predictions

This is a new segment of the pre-game articles, where each game, there will be three predictions that will be answered between our Leafs’ writing team, Leafs Late Night team, and a coin flip. We will track it throughout the season to see who is the most accurate! The coin flip will always have heads as the home team and tails as the away team.

1. Who will walk away with the win tonight?

Nathan: Leafs

Josh: Leafs

Mike: Leafs

Steph: Leafs

Johnny: Leafs

Coin: Leafs

2. Who will score first? Stars or Leafs?

Nathan: Stars

Josh: Stars

Mike: Stars

Steph: Leafs

Johnny: Stars

Coin: Stars

3. Who will score more goals tonight, Nick Robertson or Jason Robertson? (Tie goes to whoever has more points)

Nathan: Nick

Josh: Jason

Mike: Jason

Steph: Jason

Johnny: Jason

Coin: Nick

Tonight the Battle of the Robertsons starts at 7:00 pm EST. The game can be watched on Sportsnet Ontario or Sportsnet 1, depending on where you are watching.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @nathan_bondy.

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