Toronto Maple Leafs Need Somebody to Step Up With Matthews Out

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without Auston Matthews and William Nylander as they look to snap a powerplay funk and fend off a pesky Jets squad that is 4-1 in their last 5 games.

Winnipeg has been winning without their captain Blake Wheeler, who sustained a concussion the last time these teams played each other, and has still managed to climb to within 5 points of the 1st place Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs are 4-2 vs the Jets this year and hold a very slim +2 goal differential over those 6 games.  Two of those wins have also been in extra time.  Basically, these teams have played each other very evenly in terms of goals and points.

In terms of chances and controlling play, well that’s a bit of a different story, as the Leafs have held a significant advantage is most of those games.  Connor Helleybuck has kept this mini-series interesting, and the Leafs have had to work hard to beat him.  Hellebuyck did win the Vezina last year so I guess the guy is pretty good.

Injury Updates  

Auston Matthews is listed as day-to-day.  He has been dealing with a wrist injury for most of the season, and apparently this is not related to that injury but it is enough to keep him out tonight.

William Nylander should be back tomorrow according to Chris Johnston:

There was breaking news on the Frederik Andersen front today:

Not sure what the timetable is for a possible return between the pipes for the great Dane, but I’m sure it won’t be any time soon.  He needs to get in game shape even if he is medically cleared to play, there are potential salary cap ramifications to activating him as well.  I’m sure we will get more updates in the coming days.

Nick Roberston was moved off the COVID protocol list and will play tonight.

Lines for tonight

The Powerplay

The struggles continued on Tuesday night and the Toronto Maple Leafs are now 1-36 with the man advantage during a historic slump.  It’s of epic proportions at this point.  Some changes of note from today:

Shoot.  Shoot.  Shoot.  And crash the net.  That’s my 2 cents.  Maybe without Auston they will simplify things and get a few dirty goals.  They need them.

Other News

Rodion Amirov signed his ELC today.

Amirov was the 15th overall selection in the 2020 draft.  He had an excellent showing at the U-20 WJC and is a very skilled player.  He’s an excellent skater and has a strong motor to compete for pucks.  He will be loaned back to Russia next year to continue his development.  He will stay in Russia until he is ready to challenge for a roster spot on the Leafs, possibly in 2022-2023.

Game time is 7pm at Scotiabank arena.  The Leafs need a win.  Somebody needs to step up tonight and contribute.  Maybe Roberston gets more ice time with both Matthews and Nylander out, we know he can score, and the Leafs are going to need some offense.  Let it rip Nick.

Go Leafs!