Last night’s victory against the Anaheim Ducks was a big one and in many ways. First and foremost the losing streak was ended after three losses and with a game against Los Angeles tonight the Leafs will be in for a tough one. It would have been nerve racking if they had failed to secure the two points last night with the Kings and Blues still ahead this week.
The Leafs have a busy chunk in their schedule with four games this week and four next week. Not too often the boys will have eight games in 14 days, so it’s vital they got that win and get back on track to their winning ways.
Andersen had a solid game, which was much needed. Marleau buried at back handed rebound with authority, which was a big goal for the boys as the game was tied 1-1 in the third period and ended up being the game winner. It looked as if the Ducks had the game up in the dying minutes of the third period but the goal was called back as it was obvious that Silfverberg kicked the puck with intent.
Uncle Leo finally got on the board again with his second goal of the season and second point in two games. The Leafs scoring depth has slowed down as of late so it was good to get Brown, Komarov and Marleau all on the board with a goal. As of late it seems like it’s either Matthews or Kadri who are scoring all the goals.
With it being a back to back game we can expect McElhinney to start for the Leafs tonight. So far the seasoned veteran has done well between the pipes, getting only one start going 1-0, letting in three goals and posting a .909 save percent.
The Leafs have already handed the Kings a loss this season and you can bet they will want to revenge that loss. Babcock will surely remind the young Leafs of this and ensure they are ready for Doughty and the Kings to press early.
The Kings will be without Jeff Carter but have really turned it around this season, going 9-2-1 out the gates and sitting first place in the Pacific Division.
The Leafs will have to keep an eye on youngster Adrian Kempe who has caught fire with 9 points in 12 games. Dustin Brown is having his best season in years and Kopitar is also playing his best hockey in some time leading the Kings with 14 points in 12 games.
I predict Matthews gets the Leafs started tonight with the first goal of the game and his tenth of the season.
Thankfully this is the last late start game of the week and the Leafs are back at it with 7 o clock start versus the Blues on Saturday night.
Enjoy your day,
Thanks for reading.