Game Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers
By Tim Chiasson
Feb 7, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot (33) reacts after allowing a goal during the second period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Tale of the Tape
Toronto
23-27-4 50 points (12th in Eastern Conference)
PP: 18.8% (13th in NHL)
PK: 83.4% (9th in NHL)
G/GP: 2.78 (13th in NHL)
GA/GP: 3.02 (25th in NHL)
Win % When Scoring First: .739 (10th in NHL)
New York
30-16-5 65 points (7th Eastern Conference)
PP: 19.9% (10th in NHL)
PK: 82.2% (13th in NHL)
G/GP: 2.94 (7th in NHL)
GA/GP: 2.33 (4th in NHL)
Win % When Scoring First: .774 (6th in NHL)
It could be a long night for the Maple Leafs if they don’t put together a significant effort.
The Rangers score a lot of goals and allow very few. That’s a bad combination for opponents.
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The power play for both teams are near equal, as are the penalty kill percentages. Special teams will be a major factor if each team shuts down the other at 5v5.
The Leafs will have to play smart, possession conscious, hockey against a fast and talented team like the Rangers. It’s going to take a lot of shot attempts to get a win against the Rangers – even without Henrik Lundqvist.
Cam Talbot is no slouch in goal – especially in a solid system in front of him.
If the Leafs get down they can’t allow it to get beyond one or they will struggle to climb back into the game against a team like the Rangers.
Next: Analytics Report