Match-up - Toronto Maple Leafs (22-23-3) @ New Jersey Devils (17-22-8) Road/Home records - 7-13-3 -------------- 7-7-6 TV - SN, MSG+ Puck drop - 7:30 p.m. ET Season series - 1-0 Devils Last 10 - Maple Leafs: 1-9-0 ------- Devils: 5-4-1 Projected starting goalies - Jonathan Bernier vs Cory Schneider
Projected lines for the Maple Leafs via DailyFaceoff.com:
Leo Komarov - Nazem Kadri - Phil Kessel James van Riemsdyk - Tyler Bozak - David Clarkson Daniel Winnik - Peter Holland - Mike Santorelli David Booth - Trevor Smith - Richard Panik
Korbinian Holzer - Cody Franson Morgan Rielly - Roman Polak Jake Gardiner - Petter Granberg
Projected lines for the Devils:
Adam Henrique - Scott Gomez - Jaromir Jagr Patrik Elias - Travis Zajac - Martin Havlat Dainius Zubrus - Mike Cammalleri - Michael Ryder Tuomo Ruutu - Jacob Josefson - Jordin Tootoo/Steve Bernier
Andy Greene - Adam Larsson Mark Fraser - Marek Zidlicky Jon Merrill - Eric Gelinas
Injured/ill: Ryane Clowe, Stephen Gionta, Damon Severson, Bryce Salvador.
What to watch:
1) The Maple Leafs have one win in their last 10 games, yet the Devils are five points behind them and sit 5th last in the NHL. Oh, and Scott Gomez is their leading scorer since signing 23 games ago. This should be fun.
2) I have to list Mike Santorelli. I suggested for years the Devils claim him off waivers/sign him during the several opportunities they had, and it obviously never happened. He's a very underrated player who possesses speed and skill, and he always seems to produce against New Jersey. Wouldn't be surprised if that's the case again tonight.
3) Adam Larsson has fared very well against some excellent players in recent weeks, and he'll have another tough task tonight against the speed/skill the Phil Kessel line possesses. Greene - Larsson vs Kessel and co. will be a key matchup at even-strength.
4) The Maple Leafs allow over 33 shots and more than three goals per game on average, so the Devils should get plenty of opportunities; especially with the Leafs missing Dion Phaneuf. They just need to convert, which has been a big problem for New Jersey this season (and last).
5) David Clarkson has just 25 points in 128 games for the Leafs, and has been nothing short of a huge disappointment since signing in Toronto. Perhaps a game against his former team can get him going.
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