GDT: Bruins at Maple Leafs, 7:00pm (CBC)
Photo Credit: CBC.ca
This is the fifth of six meetings the Leafs have with the Bruins this season. The margin for error on our part becomes increasingly thin, actually to the point of invisibility. This game is about two things, a win, which the Leafs desperately need, and Tomas Kaberle.
The Northeast rivals have so far split the season series, the last game going Toronto’s way with Phil Kessel scoring the game winner in the 4-3 win.
Storyline: Kaberle’s Return
After 12 seasons and 878 games in a Leafs uniform, Tomas Kaberle returns to the Air Canada Centre wearing a different, somewhat rival jersey. Kaberle has just 3 assists since joining the Bruins and will likely look to shine against his beloved, former team. It should be an emotional night for all Leafs fans, and I fully expect Kaberle to receive a heartwarming welcome as soon as his skates touch the ACC ice.
Battle Of The Goaltenders
James Reimer returns to the lineup as our starting netminder for tonight, while Tim Thomas was first goalie off the ice for the Bruins. I fully expect him to get the nod tonight. Two goalies at very different stages of their careers boast a similar story this year. Both are carrying their team like few have in recent years. In 27 games played, Reimer boasts a record of 14-7-4 with a .921 SV% and a 2.61 GAA. On the flip side, Tim Thomas is having a Vezina caliber season with a spectacular, league leading .938 SV% and a 2.03 GAA. His record in 48 games played stands at 29-9-8. He is 1-1-1 against the Leafs this season with a 1.96 GAA and a .932 SP.
Keys To The Game
Traffic: We need to crowd Thomas’ crease early and often, the hottest and currently best NHL goalie can’t be allowed to see the puck if we want to stand a chance of winning this game. Him coupled by a defense led by a physical behemoth Chara is always a big test for any team, more so if the he is allowed a clear vision of the puck. Put in as many shots as we can, look for rebounds and dirty goals.
Previous Meetings
Feb 15, 2011Â @BOS Toronto 4 Boston 3
Jan 3, 2011 @TOR Boston 2 Toronto 1
Dec 4, 2010 @TOR Toronto 3 Boston 2
Oct 28, 2010 @BOS Boston 2 Toronto 0
Lineup
Per AM 640′s Jonas Siegel:
MacArthur – Grabovski – Kulemin
Kadri – Boyce – Crabb
Sjostrom – Brent – Brown
Aulie – Phaneuf
Gunnarsson – Schenn
Lashoff – Lebda
*Mike Komisarek is unlikely to suit up on Saturday. Komisarek suffered a slight groin pull against Carolina on Wednesday and did not play the following night in Florida. Jay Rosehill may re-enter the lineup, but that will likely be a game-time decision.
