Testing the Defensive Depth: Leafs Game Preview 21

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!

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

2-0? In THIS Economy? Leafs Late Night

WELCOME BACK TO LEAFS LATE NIGHT! Presented by Inside The RinkRoscoe / Biehner – Shots vs Results- Knock On Wood- Domi's Legacy- Roscoe Rant- Stolarz vs GriegNEW MERCH IS AVAILABLE!JOIN OUR DISCORD!Remember to follow us on Twitter @LeafsLateNight & IG @LeafsLateNightCheck out Mike, Josh, and Nathan's articles on the Leafs + many more! insidetherink.comHow to support us and our sponsors:TicketmasterColumbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITR
  1. 2-0? In THIS Economy?
  2. The Battle of Ontario: Remastered Edition
  3. Saint Joseph Woll
  4. Vanquishing Rivals of Yesteryear
  5. Lawesome-Tawesome

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Stuart Skinner

Opinion: Oilers’ Stuart Skinner Showing Some Steadiness Between the Pipes

When it comes to Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, one never knows what they are going to get. On one hand, one might see a version of Skinner, 26, who stands tall, comes up with big saves, does not get out of position, and does not allow soft goals. When this version of Skinner is […]

Read More

3 Takeaways From The Florida Panthers & Carolina Hurricanes Game 5 | 05/28/2025

“Big players make big plays at the biggest moments when you need them too.” That’s what Sam Reinhart had to say about his captain, Sasha Barkov, in his post-game interview. The Cats rallied from a disappointing first period to score three unanswered goals in the second. The eventual game winner scored by Verhaeghe developed from […]

Read More
Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers Playoff Thoughts: Round 3, Game 5

Happy belated 9th Birthday, Ben Stelter. Tuesday night’s win was for you. We’re just one win away from a second straight Finals appearance. We always wish Ben were still with us and imagine how joyful he’d be to watch the Edmonton Oilers in these Playoff runs the last couple of years. A really nice gesture […]

Read More