The Maple Leafs are looking to snap a four-game losing slide — their worst slump since six losses in a row in October — tonight in Boston, 7 p.m. on Hockey Night in Canada.
Tempting as it was to chalk up the result last night to the difference at the top end of the rosters given the elite talent the Blackhawks have at their disposal — and it was certainly the difference on special teams — the Leafs‘ top two lines held their own in their matchups against Jonathan Toews line and the Patrick Kane line at even strength, with centers Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak both competing well in the run of play (click for matchup possession numbers for those curious).
A combination of tough calls, lack of discipline, and the skill of Panarin and Kane meant the Leafs lost the game on the penalty kill — the four goals consisted of three powerplay goals against along with an empty netter, although one was scored just as the penalty expired.
While the top six didn’t produce enough offense to win the game, the Leafs bottom six was dominated on possession and was directly called out by Mike Babcock in the post-game presser, saying, “they’ve got to be better than this.” When you’ve got your undermanned top six battling hard to stay above water against the elite talent on the other side, it’s frustrating to watch the bottom six get thoroughly outplayed by a line of Ryan Garbutt-Dennis Rasmussen-Richard Panik.
The attendees at the informal morning skate suggests Daniel Winnik might be coming out for Richard Clune in Boston tonight. It’s not known yet if he picked up an injury last night — he was skating this morning according to Paul Hendrick — but Winnik, who’s looked like a ghost of the player he was in Toronto before the trade deadline last season, has twice been a healthy scratch this season having sat out consecutive games in late November.
Frank Corrado and Daniel Winnik are the lone Leaf skaters in Boston this morning. Marincin likely back in and Richard Clune as well.
— Paul Hendrick (@HennyTweets) January 16, 2016
Jonathan Bernier is expected to get the start in net tonight versus a team he’s had some success against in the past in the Boston Bruins (4-2-0).
The Leafs are 1-7-2 in back-to-back situations. The Bruins — also tired having played, and beaten, the Buffalo Sabres last night — are 3-1-1.
The Bruins and Leafs have both lost six of their last ten. Boston snapped a three-game losing slump with their win last night, while the Leafs are mired in their worst losing slump since losing six consecutive in October.
Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lineups
Shawn Matthias – Tyler Bozak – PA Parenteau
Michael Grabner – Nazem Kadri – Leo Komarov
Joffrey Lupul – Peter Holland – Brad Boyes
Rich Clune – Byron Froese – Josh Leivo
Jake Gardiner – Dion Phaneuf
Martin Marincin – Morgan Rielly
Matt Hunwick – Roman Polak
Jonathan Bernier
James Reimer
Injured: James van Riemsdyk (fracture foot), Nick Spaling (upper body), Stephane Robidas (upper body)
Scratched: Frank Corrado, Daniel Winnik
Boston Bruins Projected Lineup
Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – Brett Connolly
Matt Beleskey – Ryan Spooner – Loui Eriksson
Frank Vatrano – Joonas Kemppainen – Jimmy Hayes
Zac Rinaldo – Max Talbot – Landon Ferraro
Zdeno Chara – Zach Trotman
Dennis Seidenberg – Colin Miller
Torey Krug – Kevan Miller
Tuukka Rask
Jonas Gustavsson
Injured: David Krejci (upper body), Chris Kelly (leg), Adam McQuaid (upper body), David Pastrnak (upper body)
Scratched: Tyler Randell, Joe Morrow
Status report: Pastrnak and Krejci have been skating despite their injuries.
Who’s hot: Rielly has one goal and one assist in the past two games. … Eriksson has three points (one goal) in the past two games.
