The Maple Leafs are going to have to manage the puck more effectively through neutral ice and find an answer for the Gustav Nyquist, Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen (who may not play… game time decision after getting injured last night) line or else it could be four points dropped to a division rival in 48 hours.
The Wings’ top line scored all four goals on the Maple Leafs last night, with Justin Abdelkader getting in on the action in the third after taking Franzen’s spot on the top line. Zetterberg walked away with four assists on the night. The Leafs‘ lack of a line they can trust in the toughest matchups has reared its ugly head early and often in this new season.
Every team in the League knows Toronto’s top offensive weapons like to trade chances and thrive off the rush; the Wings were successful in maintaining structure in the neutral zone, forcing ample turnovers out of the Leafs and thriving on the transition. The Wings were credited with 12 takeaways to the Leafs‘ four in last night’s loss at the ACC.
It was only line three that found any level of success last night thanks to a willingness to get pucks deep and go to work (ironically, their goal was scored off a rush play).
Matt Frattin is expected to step into the place of the injured Brandon Kozun on line four, while Jonathan Bernier takes over the net for his first start since his bad outing versus the Pittsburgh Penguins a week ago today. No other lineup changes are known as of an hour and a half before puck drop.
Projected Lines
Matt Frattin will replace Brandon Kozun tonight. Changes also possible on defence according to Carlyle.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) October 18, 2014
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Roman Polak take a seat after his dash-three last night, with Stephane Robidas returning to the lineup. Polak really shouldn’t be on the ice against someone of Henrik Zetterberg’s talent, which speaks to the coaching staff’s current issue with finding trustworthy players who can shut down the opposition’s best, be it up front or on defence.
We’ll know more come game time.
The good news is that the Leafs put four goals past Jonas Gustavsson on 23 shots last season, and five on 21 shots in their final preseason game earlier this month. Let’s hope he performs like the ‘Monster’ we came to know during his time in Toronto.
Update:
Projected Defence: Phaneuf-Franson. Rielly-Polak. Gardiner-Robidas. Goalie: Bernier.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) October 18, 2014