LGD – In Tough, In Chicago

Yesterday’s Leafs Game Day article was titled ‘Bounce Back Opportunity’, as facing off against a flawed Flyers team and backup goaltender would be an excellent opportunity to get things back on track after an ugly loss to Carolina. 

Well, that didn’t exactly work. The Leafs were unable to contain a surging Claude Giroux & Co., and were embarassed at home by a score of 7-4.

Tonight, the Leafs will face a much greater challenge in bouncing back against Chicago Blackhawks – one of the league’s best top teams. Yes, the Leafs have the hottest offence in the entire NHL, scoring 3.39 goals-per-game, but they will be going up against the league’s best defence in the Blackhawks, who only allow 2.00 goals against-per-game.

Of course, the last time the two teams met, James Reimer made 45 saves in a 3-2 Leafs victory at home. Anything can happen, but I doubt another victory over Chicago would come any easier than it did last time.

The biggest question regarding the Leafs lineup is certainly Jake Gardiner’s status. We all know he’s been, well, kind of bad lately, but how can you blame the guy too much when, without him, you give up seven goals to the Philadelphia Flyers? My guess is Gardiner will return to the lineup tonight for Korbinian Holzer, as his speed will be a necessity if the Leafs want to keep up with the Blackhawks forwards.

James van Riemsdyk – Tyler Bozak – Phil Kessel

Daniel Winnik – Nazem Kadri – Mike Santorelli

Joffrey Lupul – Peter Holland – David Clarkson

David Booth – Trevor Smith – Richard Panik

Dion Phaneuf – Cody Franson

Stephane Robidas – Roman Polak

Morgan Rielly – Korbinian Holzer

Damn, that’s a beautiful lineup. You know, aside from Dan Carcillo. We can talk all we went about how the Leafs’ improved depth has made them a better team this year, but that depth will be put to the test against a third line that includes Patrick Sharp? Yeah, not good for Toronto.

Brandon Saad – Jonathan Toews – Marian Hossa

Kris Versteeg – Brad Richards – Patrick Kane

Bryan Bickell – Andrew Shaw – Patrick Sharp

Dan Carcillo – Marcus Kruger – Ben Smith

Duncan Keith – Brent Seabrook

Niklas Hjalmarsson – Michal Rosival

Tim Erixon – Johnny Oduya