Time: 7:00 PM CST
Channel: TSN3
Radio: TSN1290
This is the one we have all been waiting for. The revamped Toronto Maple Leafs are in town ready to take on the Winnipeg Jets. After firing head coach Mike Babcock and replacing him with Toronto Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe, the Leafs have been on a tear, finally playing up to their potential as an offensive force.
The biggest difference in the Leafs play besides the shackles being taken off of them, is the fact that the skilled players are playing regularly and being rewarded when they have good games. This is something that should be done by more teams because it makes perfect sense. The Jets will be in tough as they will have to contend with both Auston Matthews’ line and John Tavares’ line. Having that one-two punch long with the Jets lack of defensive depth could make for a difficult night for the Jets.
The Leafs will be facing off against newly minted all-stars Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck. Scheifele will be one of the key pieces in stopping the Leafs offensively, but he will also be key to scoring for the Jets. It will be up to his linemates (Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine) to step up and help him as best they can. The Blake Wheeler line will also be leaned of for help offensively and they appear to be good at generating offence right now. Nikolaj Ehlers could be a key for that line with his ability to carry the puck in and out of the zone. The Adam Lowry line will also be important, but will definitely miss Andrew Copp tonight.
Prediction
There will be too many Toronto fans tonight and it will suck.
