LGD – Goalzak to the Rescue
9 years ago
Ever since the consecutive debacles against the Sabres and Predators, the Leafs have been world beaters. They’ve won four of their last five games, their only blemish being an overtime loss to the Penguins. They’ve also scored at least three goals in all of those games, including five or more in three of those games.
The Devils have been trending in the opposite direction, having lost seven of their last eight games. Their one win came against – guess who – the Oilers. So basically, that doesn’t even count. All these losses have the Devils stuck in 12th in the conference, seven points back of the Leafs for the second wildcard spot. They also sit 20th in Leafs Nation writer Dom Luszczyszyn’s personal power rankings made with his unique stat, POP.
Judging by everything above, one has to think the Leafs will run away with it tonight. But since when does anything go as planned for any Toronto sports team? Or maybe Tyler Goalzak will continue his dominance.
THE LEAFS
Projected Lines via DailyFaceoff.com
van Riemsdyk – Goalzak- Kessel
Lupul -Kadri – Santorelli
Winnik – Holland – Clarkson
Booth – Smith – Panik
Phaneuf – Franson
Gardiner- Holzer
Rielly – Robidas
Notes: Uncle Leo is still out after receiving that hit from Ovechkin. He did take part in the morning skate so a return could be on the horizon.
THE DEVILS
Projected Lines via DailyFaceoff.com
Cammalleri – Henrique – Brunner
Zubrus – Gomez -Ryder
Ruutu – Josefson – Bernier
Tootoo – Gionta – Helgeson
Greene – Seversen
Harrold – Zidlicky
Merrill – Gelinas
Notes: Jagr, Elias and Larsson are all out for this one. Jagr took a hit to the head from Robert Bortuzzo but the Devils are insisting it’s not a concussion. Instead, they’re just calling it dehydration.
STARTING GOALIES
Jonathan Bernier will be getting his seventh consecutive start for the Leafs. Sorry Reims.
Cory Schneider will be starting for the 25th time in 26 games. Fun fact, I just had him on my Hockey Ultimate Team but he got a grand total of zero starts. Also sold him for 7000 pucks after buying him for 5000.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Goalzak to score again. He has six goals in his last four games and the Leafs are rolling. Ride Tyler while he’s hot
- Schneider’s legs to fall off probably. He’s on pace for 79 starts this year . . . wut
- Devils to struggle offensively. They’re missing Elias and Jagr and have Scott Gomez as their second line centre. That’s a disaster.
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