Toronto Maple Leafs: Andersen Down

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost their arguably best player of the season in a comeback win over Dallas.

In what was supposed to be the night of Andreas Johnsson debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it was overshadowed by the injury Frederik Andersen sustained in the second period. Johnsson himself did not finish the game unscathed. After a hit from Radulov, Johnsson returned with some stitches.

The silver lining can be found in the team effort to beat the Dallas Stars after coming back from a deficit twice, after giving up a 2-goal lead. The Toronto Maple Leafs completed their comeback in the shoot-out, where Tyler Bozak found the back of the net for his 5th shoot-out goal of the year. Undoubtedly one of the main reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs are now 7 – 2 in shootouts this year.

With the shootout win, the Toronto Maple Leafs keep improving their franchise record for the winning streak at home. Improving to 11 games in a row.

Frederik Andersen

The entire Leafs Nation will hold their breath while waiting for an injury update on goaltender Frederik Andersen. Leaving the game with an undisclosed upper-body injury, the Toronto Maple Leafs will likely face Buffalo tomorrow without their two best players in Andersen and Matthews.

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Hopefully, his injury won’t endanger his participation in the playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs shouldn’t rush him back into the lineup though. With McElhinney and Sparks and Pickard with the Marlies, the Leafs should be able to secure the third Atlantic seed without Andersen, if needed.

Frederik Andersen was relieved by his backup Curtis McElhinney. I have to give credit to McElhinney, coming on the ice suddenly and be on top of your game. The Toronto Maple Leafs are lucky to have him as a backup. Must be frustrating for guys like Spark and Pickard.

James van Riemsdyk

Last nights performance is the perfect example why Lou’s best move was to keep JVR Tallying his third career hattrick, James van Riemsdyk continues to prove why his a valuable asset to this team going into the playoffs. Scoring important goals, though not always highlight-reel beauty’s, he gets the job done in front of the net.

Talking about important goals, what about Marleau? He might not be the youngest anymore, but he’s always in the right spot at the right time to make those important goals for his team. Not to forget that Mitch Marner made that all possible with a beauty of a play.

Next: 5 Prospects Fighting to Earn ELCs

Redemption

While we will all wait anxiously on news on Andersen, the Leafs will travel to Buffalo. There they will search to redeem themselves for the loss in the last meeting. It is most likely that Curtis McElhinney will start in Buffalo, whilst either Sparks or Pickard will be called up.