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LGD: Joonas Korpisalo Bowl XI
Photo credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
By ThatsKappy
Jan 8, 2018, 11:17 ESTUpdated: Jan 8, 2018, 14:29 EST
Good morning!
Coming off two consecutive shootout wins to kick off the back half of their season, the Leafs (25-16-2) are back in action tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets (24-16-3).
The Blue Jackets are coming off of a 3-2 shootout win as well, as they defeated the Florida Panthers last night. Normally, drawing a tired team would be cause for celebration. However, it’s the Blue Jackets, which means noted Leafs killer Joonas Korpisalo will get the nod in goal once again tonight. He’s a career 4-1-0 against the Leafs, and most recently stopped 39 of 41 shots against Toronto on December 20th.
Leafs Lines
Travis Dermott survives his first test in the NHL, and gets the nod for a second game. This time, he’s on the right side – a new challenge, perhaps, but he’s also playing on a pairing with another NHL defenseman tonight.
Connor Carrick moves to the press box, and the forward lines are unchanged.
Blue Jackets Lines
Artemi Panarin continues his strong debut season in Columbus, with 35 points through 43 games. Scoring, however, hasn’t been the Blue Jackets’ strong suit this season – they’re a minus-one goal differential, despite their record, and only boast three players with more than ten goals. Josh Anderson leads the team in that category with 14.
Starting Goalies
As mentioned, Joonas Korpisalo will get the nod for the Blue Jackets. He’s been stellar against the Leafs in his career, but hopefully tonight can be a turning point for the Buds in solving the backup netminder.
For the Leafs, it’ll unsurprisingly be Frederik Andersen. His last three starts have been lights out, with a .944 save percentage over that span. Here’s to hoping that continues as well; we could have quite the goalie duel on our hands tonight.
Notes
- Auston Matthews has hit ’em with the four, with four goals over his last four games. He’s been dominant since his return from injury. He’ll look for his 20th on the season tonight.
- I’ve been smelling another big game for Mitch Marner for a while now; he’s looked dangerous ever since he started breaking out mid-way through December.
- Travis Dermott is a Toronto Maple Leaf. Exciting times!
Puck Drop is at 7pm ET, but as always, the Buds are All Day.
LGD BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE PINT
Make the Pint your home for all things game day. We give away a free pound of wings during every game either home or away. 4.40$ mugs of Bud and Bud Lights.
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