The Toronto Maple Leafs won't be firing their coach this season. That in-season bump that the Red Wings are about to get just isn't an option for them this year.
The Maple Leafs grinded out a fantastic playoff series against the heavily favored Boston Bruins last season and almost won despite getting nothing, or less than nothing, from their three best players.
The reward for Sheldon Keefe's gutsy playoff performance was blamed for the loss, and he was shown the door. If you happen to watch a New Jersey Devils game this year, they look a lot like last years Leafs and are fun to watch.
If you haven't noticed, the Leafs are not. Craig Berube Hockey is boring and devoid of joy. The Leafs move north and south, they dump the puck in. They neutred all their stars and hope to win every game 2-1. If not for completely unsustainable goaltending, the Leafs would, right now, be in danger of missing the playoffs.
They clearly need a spark, and they aren't going to get one. The Wing fired their coach yesterday and tonight's game will be their first with Todd McLellan. Bad news for the Leafs, as this is almost a scheduled loss.
Red Wings Use Option the Maple Leafs Don't Have + Game Preview
The Leafs entered the break losing two straight, and even though their record is pretty solid, they have not played anywhere close to deserving that record, and with Matthews out, and Stolarz already out for at least a month, things aren't looking that great.
Oh yeah, and they have no centres, they can't develop a star outside the first round, Matthews Knies is playing poorly, and they've walked Mitch Marner to free-agency and put themselves in a position where they are either going to lose the second best player in the history of their 100 year old franchise for nothing, or drastically overpay him.
Good times!
As for tonight, you can bet Joseph Woll will be in net, but as of now nothing is confirmed. The status of Auston Matthews, is confirmed, however, and he won't play tonight or tomorrow.
The Leafs will take on Detroit tonight and then head home to play Washington tomorrow. The Capitals are one of the NHL's best teams this season and if the Leafs are not carful, they're modest two-game losing streak could double by the end of the weekend.