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LGD: Return of the Matthews
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Photo credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
connorbromley
Dec 23, 2017, 12:04 ESTUpdated: Dec 23, 2017, 21:33 EST
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Toronto arrive in New York today buoyed by the return of star centerman Auston Matthews. Matthews has missed the last six games and the Leafs are dearly missing their man as they have looked underwhelming with just two wins in that span.
The Blueshirts had won three in a row prior to Thursday nights 4-3 shootout defeat to the Devils at Prudential Centre. They now sit in fourth place in the Metro division, though are currently in a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.
On current form the Rangers are good, they have picked up 10 wins from their previous 15 games. The Leafs should also be weary of how good the Rangers are at home as they have won 14 of their 22 home contest – only losing five in regulation.
Our previous meeting with New York came in Toronto all the way back in October. The game was a wonderful affair for the neutral fan as the team’s shared 13 goals – seven of those coming in the first period. The Rangers came back from 5-1 down to tie the game at 5-5 before Toronto ran away with proceedings in the third period to win the game 8-5.
Projected lines
New York Rangers projected lines
Starting goaltenders
Toronto will line up with Freddie back in goal after he missed our defeat at Columbus. Andersen was rock solid last time out saving 32 of 33 shots against the Hurricanes.
Henrik Lundqvist has seen a bit of a revival in his form after a down year last season. His save percentage is at about career average this year – important when your backup is Ondrej Pavelec.
Notes
  • If Auston Matthews plays against New York he will be looking to break a run of three games without a point. Matthews has not played a three point game since opening day against Winnipeg.
  • Nazem Kadri had a nine game point streak in November, however now he is riding a nine game pointless streak.
  • Mitch Marner has the chance to score in three straight games for the first time in his career, as he netted against Carolina and Columbus (that goal against Columbus was magical!)
  • Rangers coach Alain Vigneault has a 8-5-0 record against the Leafs since he took charge of the Rangers in 2013. I just took time researching that so thought I would include it.

    LGD BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE PINT

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