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Tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs meet the Ottawa Senators within the nation’s capital. The Senators are coming off a powerful 6-2 win over the New York Rangers on Tuesday (Dec. 5) and can intention to proceed their constructive play. They are on a modest two-game profitable streak.
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The Maple Leafs, alternatively, are coming off a 4-3 extra time loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday (Dec. 2) and are desirous to get again into the win column. In this version of Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll check out modifications to the lineup forward of tonight’s recreation. As effectively, I’ll report the information that John Klingberg will in all probability be shut down for the rest of the season.
Item One: Morgan Rielly Looks on the Bright Side of Overtime
Speaking of extra time losses, the Maple Leafs have made it to extra time or a shootout in 5 of their final six video games. They’ve gained three of them. On one hand, the group has proven they gained’t give up. On the opposite hand, if the group may add just a few wins by three or extra targets, life could be a ton extra comfy.
Related: Maple Leafs Should Target Free Agent Defenceman Ethan Bear
Still, one level is healthier than none. Auston Matthews made that occur towards the Bruins when he potted the game-tying objective with simply six seconds left within the third interval. Defenseman Morgan Rielly admitted the issue of being tied or trailing within the third interval. However, he additionally took the sunny facet of the road when he famous the significance of getting accustomed to such conditions.
“I do think it’s a good spot to get used to,” Rielly mentioned. “Down one or tied in the third period is not a comfortable feeling, but the more you’re exposed to it, the better. Ultimately, we want to keep growing our game (and winning in regulation). We have a calm bench and in those instances, we trust our structure and each other so we can just go out and play” (from LEAFS’ SNAPSHOTS: One-goal video games not for all tastes, however do add drama,” Lance Hornby, National Post, 12/05/2023).
Rielly famous the arrogance and composure the group is gaining, studying to belief their construction and one another to compete in these tough conditions. The final job is to take two factors from each recreation. However, if a win isn’t within the books – and the hockey gods did appear to be teasing the Maple Leafs towards the Bruins – getting not less than some extent is one thing. They all add up.
Item Two: The Goalie Situation for Tonight’s Game
As the Maple Leafs swimsuit up for Thursday’s recreation, the goalie scenario is a bit dynamic. Once once more, Joseph Woll will get the beginning. He’ll step in for Ilya Samsonov, who’s sidelined and listed as day-to-day with an sickness. The group referred to as up Martin Jones from the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Toronto Marlies to again up Woll. Jones has a 3.37 goals-against common (GAA) and a .870 save share in 5 AHL outings.
Related: Joseph Woll Ready for a Bigger Maple Leafs’ Role
Woll has performed effectively for Toronto this season with an 8-5-1 report, a 2.82 GAA, and a robust .915 save share in 14 video games. He’s began the final 4 video games (with a 2-1-1 report). Considering the Senators’ offence, he’ll probably be examined tonight.
Item Three: John Klingberg Was Placed on LTIR
In some unhealthy information, defenseman John Klingberg will in all probability miss the remainder of the season. His injury necessitates hip surgery. He’ll finish his season (and sure his Maple Leafs’ tenure) with 5 assists, 11 hits, and 14 blocked pictures in 14 video games performed.
The 31-year-old defenseman was positioned on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) as of Nov. 23. His $4.15 million cap hit will probably be used somewhere else. As far because the long-term image goes, Klingberg will turn into an unrestricted free agent this summer time.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
Former Maple Leaf Zach Hyman continues to play lights-out for the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers, after a vastly disappointing early season, at the moment are approaching – and quick. They beat a troublesome Carolina Hurricanes group by a rating of 6-1 on Wednesday.
Related: Maple Leafs’ Zach Hyman Is Not Driven by Money
Hyman was excellent in that recreation. He confirmed his similar never-quit angle whereas placing up a hat trick for his “new” group. It was his second hat trick of the season and the third of his profession. He’s taking part in a key position within the Oilers’ success by placing up constant offensive contributions.
He’s scored seven targets and 4 assists in his final 5 video games of the Oilers’ current run. On the season, he has 15 targets and 11 assists (for 26 factors), and he carries a plus-6 ranking in 22 video games. There are probably a ton of Maple Leafs followers who’d like to see him nonetheless within the blue-and-white uniform.
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