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UPDATE - Justin Holl will replace Martin Marincin in the lineup tonight. Mitch Marner is one of the most gifted playmakers in the NHL, and is fourth in the league with 38 assists, but opponents appeared to be having success anticipating his tendency of being more “pass first…. Since being told by Mike Babcock to shoot more, the Leafs winger has found the net six times in the last four games, including a pair of goals in a 5-3 win over the New York Rangers at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday. “I think I’m just thinking more of shooting. Getting to the net more and when you get around that net I think chances come more often so that’s just something I’ve been trying to focus on recently.… Marner said after the game. “I think also (Zach)Hyman, (John Tavares) and now (Andreas Johnsson) -- all three of those guys can move the puck very well. For me, it’s just getting to the front of the net and try and bang in those second opportunities.… Hats rained down on the ice for the second game in a row, as the club’s leading scorer appeared to have scored a hat trick with an empty net goal late in the third, but a goal earlier in the period originally credited to him was correctly given to Johnsson. “People are losing their hats for no reason here.… Marner said. “I feel pretty bad for them. If they are Leaf hats, I’m guessing they are not cheap, everything around here is pretty expensive.… Patrick Marleau, Johnsson and Morgan Rielly also scored, giving the Leafs 18 goals in their three wins over New Jersey and Florida. Frederik Andersen made 25 saves for his 20th victory of the season.
The Rangers kept within striking distance by killing off a four-minute Leafs power play in the second period and taking advantage of some Toronto defensive miscues. The tying goal by Neil Pionk and Chris Kreider’s third period tally were deflected by Leafs blueliners Martin Marincin and Ron Hainsey, and Kevin Hayes goal that narrowed the lead to 3-2 was due mostly to Hainsey being caught out of position. Toronto finishes up their pre-Christmas schedule against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. Garret Sparks is expected to get the start in the second of back-to-back games and the Leafs will be forced to tinker with their lineup after losing Tyler Ennis. The veteran winger was struck by a Rielly slapshot in the second period and did not return after suffering what was later diagnosed as a broken ankle.
This looks to be the play that ended Tyler Ennis' night. Let's hope it isn't serious pic.twitter.com/4qklzLa67Y
— The Leafs IMO (@TheLeafsIMO) December 23, 2018
Moore leads the AHL affiliate with 17 goals in 27 games and has been red hot for the Marlies, scoring five times in the last five games, including a goal in their 2-0 victory over Laval on Saturday. The winger will likely slot in on the fourth line with Par Lindholm and Frederik Gauthier. *******
This is your podcast. This is The Leafs Convo. Thanks for listening. Enjoy. #TMLTalk #TheLeafsConvo @MikeInBuffalo @TheLeafsConvo https://t.co/2HcuexNQg2
— Norman James (@NormanJamesTLC) December 21, 2018