Toronto Maple Leafs & NHL News, Standings and Opinion (Week of 12/6)
Perhaps a much-needed day off is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After this weekend featured a pair of losses, the Maple Leafs are off Monday with hopes of finding clarity to continue with their task at hand.
The Maple Leafs lost to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday and the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday without right winger Mitch Marner in the lineup. It’s no secret that when he’s off the ice, the Maple Leafs undoubtedly miss everything he brings to the table.
Marner will likely be day-to-day after a scary collision on Friday during a team practice. Hopefully, he’s able to return soon as the Maple Leafs could use that spark to bounce back. Head coach Sheldon Keefe will likely be patient and not rush Marner back into the starting lineup until he’s 100 percent ready but it appears he won’t be missing too much time.
Let’s take a look at the latest news around the Maple Leafs, the NHL in general, the latest Standings, and an update on team injuries.
Toronto Maple Leafs NHL News
Despite back-to-back losses over the weekend, Keefe is making a serious case to earn this year’s Jack Adams Award. This prestigious award is given to a coach that has contributed the most to his team’s success. The Maple Leafs are currently 17-7-36 at this point of the season and in second place in the Atlantic Division thanks to Keefe keeping everyone on the same page.
One of the emerging prospects of the Maple Leafs, center Ryan Tverberg, is officially confirmed to be attending Team Canada World Juniors Camp. It remains to be seen if he’ll actually make the final roster but regardless, it’s a good look for Tverberg to be selected for a shot to prove his worth to the hockey world as he works his way up the ladder.
After their day off on Monday, the Maple Leafs will open up a three-game homestand in Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Top NHL News
Right winger Blake Wheeler became the third player from his draft class (2004 NHL Draft) to play 1,000 games and the fourth player in Jets history to achieve this milestone. Wheeler continues to make a name for himself and is a catalyst for the Jets as they’re currently in second place in the Central Division.
The Dallas Stars are on fire as of late as they’ve enjoyed a six-game winning streak and seven straight wins at home in American Airlines Center. It’s still early but at the rate they are going, they’ll be back into playoff contention as they have an upcoming date with the Arizona Coyotes on Monday. If the Stars win, it’ll match a franchise record for longest winning streak during a regular season at seven straight games.
After an incredibly disappointing start to the season by the Vancouver Canucks, on Sunday they fired both general manager Jim Benning and head coach Travis Green. It’s expected the Canucks will make additional changes to the coaching staff and other leadership positions across the team to try and salvage this season.
Eastern Conference Standings (Wins-Losses-Points) [As of 12/6/21]
Atlantic
Florida Panthers: 17-4-37
Toronto Maple Leafs: 17-7-36
Tampa Bay Lightning: 15-5-34
Detroit Red Wings: 13-9-29
Boston Bruins: 12-8-25
Buffalo Sabres: 8-13-19
Montreal Canadiens: 6-17-15
Ottawa Senators: 6-15-13
Metropolitan
Washington Capitals: 15-4-36
New York Rangers: 16-4-35
Carolina Hurricanes: 16-6-33
Pittsburgh Penguins: 11-8-27
Columbus Blue Jackets: 13-10-26
New Jersey Devils: 9-9-22
Philadelphia Flyers: 8-10-20
New York Islanders: 5-10-15
Western Conference Standings (Wins-Losses-Points) [As of 12/6/21]
Central
Minnesota Wild: 17-6-35
Winnipeg Jets: 12-8-28
St Louis Blues: 12-8-28
Nashville Predators: 13-10-27
Colorado Avalanche: 12-7-26
Dallas Stars: 12-7-26
Chicago Blackhawks: 9-13-20
Arizona Coyotes: 5-17-12
Pacific
Calgary Flames: 15-5-35
Edmonton Oilers: 16-7-32
Anaheim Ducks: 13-8-30
Vegas Golden Knights: 14-10-28
San Jose Sharks: 13-11-27
Los Angeles Kings: 10-9-24
Seattle Kraken: 9-13-20
Vancouver Canucks: 8-15-18
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Toronto Maple Leafs Injuries
The latest on defenseman Rasmus Sandin’s health from Sunday night’s loss against the Jets is that he, unfortunately, suffered a knee injury. He had to be helped off the ice and couldn’t even stand up straight due to being in so much pain. The Maple Leafs are expected to run more medical tests over the next few days to see the extent of his knee injury and how much time he could potentially miss.