Remember that game back on October 30th in Anaheim when the Leafs (18-5-6) blew a 3-1 lead in the third period, and then fell in OT?
Well, lucky for them, they’ll get a chance to avenge that ugly loss tonight when they host those very same Anaheim Ducks (7-19-3) at Scotiabank Arena.
Believe it or not, the Leafs are 14-1-4 since that epic collapse and are currently riding a ridiculous 14-game point streak (11-0-3), one that is two games shy of the club record. Furthermore, incredibly, it’s now been over a month since Toronto last lost in regulation (November 11th).
Crazily, that’s not even the biggest point streak in town these days. That’s because Mitch Marner, who’s fresh off potting the OT winner against Calgary on Saturday night, is currently riding a 22 game heater.
This is getting fun.
Time: 7 PM ET (TSN)
Starting Goalies:
ANA John Gibson – LIKELY (5-13-3, 3.99, 0.894)
@
TOR Ilya Samsonov – CONFIRMED (8-2-0, 1.87, 0.933)
Projected Lineups:
Three Storylines:
POINT STREAKING
The best part about this torrid stretch for the Leafs is the fact that they’ve had not one but two different point streaks to track closely on a daily basis. It all started with Mitch Marner on October 27th in San Jose, and then the team point streak got underway on November 12th at home against Vancouver. Weirdly enough, that was the night they honoured Borje Salming at Scotiabank Arena, too. Any way you slice it, it’s been so much fun following this team lately, especially after that turbulent October where it seemed like the sky was falling. They’re winning and they’re playing well; it’s tough to beat that feeling.
HIT ANAHEIM WHERE IT HURTS
If there’s one thing that could set Toronto apart tonight, it’s their power play. The Leafs went 3-for-6 against Calgary, and on top of that, Anaheim rolls into town with the league’s worst penalty kill. They surrendered another two power play goals last night in Ottawa and are now operating at a putrid 66%. Without question, the Ducks will have to stay disciplined if they have any shot of upsetting the Leafs again like they did at the end of October.
JUMP ON THEM EARLY
As mentioned, Anaheim played last night. Additionally, they’ve had a terrible season. Don’t give them any confidence. Quite frankly, as far as I’m concerned, I think the Leafs have a shot to run them out of the building tonight. But they better be careful, it’s still the NHL and anyone can beat anyone on any given night. That said, if the Leafs play their game, especially the way they’ve been playing the last little while, they should have no problem putting away the Ducks.
BETTING:
(As of Noon EDT)
Prop Play:
Auston Matthews Anytime Goal (-135)
