GAMEDAY: Maple Leafs must re-ignite scoring to support goaltending against mediocre Ducks
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Anaheim Ducks (10-13-4) at Toronto Maple Leafs (17-9-2)
WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m.
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GAMEDAY: Maple Leafs must re-ignite scoring to support goaltending against mediocre Ducks Back to video
TV: Sportsnet, RADIO: FAN 590
THE ODDS
Anaheim +150, Toronto – 150
THE BUZZ
With a back-to-back sure to see at least one Joseph Woll appearance this weekend, Anthony Stolarz will be back in net after he heroics in the 2-1 overtime win in New Jersey on Tuesday … The Leafs had a day off earlier this week and most definitely didn’t use it to full advantage, beaten to the punch through much of Tuesday. So, after another 24 hours off to watch some video, they should be prepped properly … They have faced a lot of opponents on the second of a back-to-back. That will be the case again Thursday, as the Ducks flew in from a game in Ottawa, which they lost 5-1 … The Leafs have give up the first goal of their games with annoying frequency … Lukas Dostal is slated to start for Anaheim in net after being rocked for four goals on 18 shots here in February, part of a 9-2 loss and an Auston Matthews hat trick before Dostal was yanked.
THE NEWS
Defenceman Jake McCabe has been activated from a head injury and will play as Chris Tanev’ shutdown partner … Winger Alex Nylander was not claimed on waivers by Thursday afternoon and will return to the AHL Marlies, but defenceman Dakota Mermis was taken by the Utah Hockey Club … Defenceman Jacob Trouba cut the cord with the Rangers last week and will play his third game for Anaheim … Toronto’s William Nylander is four shots on goal away from 1,856 and passing Frank Mahovlich for eighth in franchise history … The Leafs recalled winger Nikita Grebenkin on Thursday morning and sent defenceman Marshall Rifai back to the Marlies.
THE QUOTE
“The start of the season was not good for me, I played pretty bad. Right now, I’m happy.” — Winger Pontus Holmberg on his huge tying goal Tuesday, his second of the year and first ever short-handed.
THE PROJECTED LEAFS LINEUP
Forwards
Matthew Knies / Auston Matthews / Mitch Marner
Max Pacioretty / John Tavares / William Nylander
Pontus Holmberg / Fraser Minten / Max Domi
Steven Lorentz / Connor Dewar / Ryan Reaves
Defence
Jake McCabe / Chris Tanev
Morgan Rielly / Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Simon Benoit / Conor Timmins
Goalies
Anthony Stolarz
Joseph Woll
Injuries
Toronto: LW Bobby McMann (lower body), C David Kampf (lower body), F Calle Jarnkrok (groin), D Jani Hakanpaa (knee).
Anaheim: C Trevor Zegras (knee), winger Robby Fabbri (knee).
THE PREDICTION
Ducks are better than they have shown on this Canadian road trip, but 4-2 Leafs on an empty-netter.
lhornby@postmedia.com
X: @sunhornby
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