Toronto Maple Leafs Go Back to Andersen Against Penguins

The Toronto Maple Leafs will get a rematch against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight.

After losing 5-2 on Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs will return home to host the Penguins.

The Leafs will go back with Frederick Andersen tonight, although the starting goalie has struggled lately since returning from his neck injury.

The Leafs – who have three of 16 possible points against the NHL’s four best teams this year, will need a better effort from Andersen if they hope to get revenge on the Penguins.

Andersen’s ability

The former All-Star goaltender has not been playing up to his standard as of late, causing many to question his ability.

While I am not going to argue with naysayers who wish Andersen gone, I am also not going to place the blame solely on his goalie pads. The Leafs as a team have not played well lately, and they need a better effort all around, not just from Andersen.

However, the Danish wonder should shoulder some blame regardless of the overall team’s performance. Long before the arrival of decent backup Jack Campbell, Andersen has held a .892 save percentage through 24 games played (stats since December 1). Has he lost confidence in the face of a decent backup? Is he sick or injured? It may be a combination of all three but in the last year of his contract, this is the last thing Andersen or the team needs.

If he plays well in net tonight, this could be the boost the team, and himself, needed to grab points and push for the playoffs. Maybe they should take a tip from the Canes and call the moms in. Worth a shot, eh?

Get your damn flu shots

The flu bug seems to be making its mark on Leafs players one by one. Or maybe it’s a combination of the flu and injury bug. They seem to be very attracted to Andreas Johnsson as of late.

However, the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins are also wrought with injuries. Heck. last game Anthony Angello scored his first career NHL goal! Yet, somehow, these teams push through it. So, what is holding the Leafs back?

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Penguins get started at 7 PM.  As mentioned, Andersen will take the net for the Leafs, while Matt Murrary will start for Pittsburgh.

Evgeni Malkin is expected to play for the Penguins, and Denis Malgin is expected to debut for the Leafs.