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The Toronto Maple Leafs getting points on their three-game California road swing is extremely important with less than a month left in the regular season. The Leafs were unable to rise to the occasion against the San Jose Sharks, surrendering three third-period goals in a 5-2 loss on Tuesday. That loss puts more pressure on Toronto to get at least three of a possible four points in back-to-back games, starting with a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on Thursday.
The two clubs are quite familiar with each other, since the Kings and Leafs have made a pair of significant trades over the last 13 months, swapping forwards Carl Grundstrom and Trevor Moore, prospect Sean Durzi, and a 2019 first (Tobias Bjornfot), a third round and conditional pick over the next two drafts for longtime LA veterans Jake Muzzin, Kyle Clifford and Jack Campbell.
"It was kind of nice to see some familiar faces, but at the same time we came down here for a win and that's our mindset and just kind of put those distractions aside and focus on what we got to do." Clifford said. “It's different being in the visitor side of things, but it's a business (as) usual, you go out and you know put your best foot forward and practice to prepare for the next game."
Brendan Shanahan held an impromptu media availability in Los Angeles, and said he likes the direction the team is heading: "I just see adversity differently." pic.twitter.com/Sz7G7RSLLt
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 5, 2020
Campbell will not get to play against his old club after a strong 33-save effort against the Sharks, as Frederik Andersen will get the start against the Kings after a four-day respite.
"The biggest thought process for us is we wanted to get Jack into two out of three games this week. (That) trumps anything in terms of (Campbell) playing against his former team or anything like that." Leafs head coach Shledon Keefe said. "(Andersen) is our starting goaltender and it just makes sense for him coming off of (a long break). He didn't play (in San Jose) but full practice (on Wednesday) and he goes in and plays (against LA) rather than us (playing in the second of) back to back. I think that he deserves that and this time of the year especially, we've got to make those right decisions." Muzzin travelled with the club and spoke about his new contract, saying that he is pleased to have it signed, sealed and delivered. The veteran blueliner indicated that his injury is a broken knuckle and that he hopes to get back as soon as possible, but it is expected that he will not return until later this month.
Keefe indicated that rookie Rasmus Sandin will get back in the lineup (likely replacing fellow Swede Timothy Liljegren), but the makeup of the forward lines will not be decided until just before game time. According to Jonas Siegel of the Athletic, the coaching staff is toying with the idea of shaking up the club’s top two lines in hopes of improving the scoring depth, but it is not clear if that will be implemented on Thursday or in the next few games.
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Pregame Podcast. Enjoy.@MikeInBuffalo @TheLeafsConvo #LeafsForever #TheLeafsConvo #LAKings #NHL https://t.co/OPAWy0T2tE
— Norman James (@IamNormanJames) March 5, 2020
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