Another hectic game for the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night against the Panthers, but ultimately, due to a disallowed shootout goal and Woll playing incredibly well, the Leafs came out of the night with two points. This team will need to get much better, but as I’ve stated before, there is still time. The biggest hurdle currently is health on the blueline, as Klingberg, Giordano, and Liljegren are all injured, and none of them are near returning. The Leafs defensive depth tonight will be tested as they face off against the Kraken.
Leafs Projected Lineup
Three Things to Look Out For
Lagesson
William Lagesson has been a highly serviceable player for the Leafs since being called into the lineup. He has played a hard game and has held up in his own end defensively and decently well also. Lagesson is proving to be the most useful depth signing Treliving made this off-season. Tonight marks a start in the top-four for Lagesson, with Giordano now out with a broken finger. Keep an eye on Lagesson as he continues to push his play forward, playing a simple but effective game.
Benoit
Simon Benoit has been a pleasant surprise for the Leafs so far. With a very mediocre preseason from the defender, many, including myself had written off Benoit, but it was far too soon, as Benoit has looked decent as a depth option. Benoit wasn’t on a good team last year, and his play wasn’t great either, but he has a chance to change things this season, and even more so now with all the injuries on the blueline in Toronto. Benoit is a big defender who can throw the body around. Look for Benoit to play a decent defensive game tonight and help round out his pairing with Timmins.
Timmins
Speaking of Timmins, the defender has been back from his injury for three games now and has looked roughly as expected. Timmins has offensive skills and has great potential to be a productive NHLer, but with less experience in the NHL, can be found making silly mistakes that can turn out to be costly. As Timmins receives more reps in the NHL, he will look to round out all aspects of his game and make fewer mistakes. It will be important for Timmins to keep his game simple, and he hopes to do so tonight against the Kraken.
Today’s game starts at 7 p.m. EST on TSN with Woll getting his third consecutive start after another solid game!
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