GDT: Leafs @ Flames 9:00pm on SN1 and SNO

[Burnie97]

Projected Leafs lineup: confirmed Anderson, boyd, lehtonen in tonight.

Hyman - Matty- Marner
Mik - Tavares - Nylander
Vesey - Kerfoot - Simmonds
Anderson - Boyd - Engvall

Rielly - Brodie
Muzzin - Holl
Lehtonen- Bogo

Andy
Hutch/Campbell


Projected Flames lineup(including 1 gutless puke who turtles) :

Gaudreau - Monahan - Simon
Mangiapane - Lindholm - Tkachuk
Bennett - Backlund - Leivo
Lucic - Ryan - Nordstrom

Giordano - Andersson
Hanifin - Tanev
Valimaki - Nesterov

Markstrom


The Maple Leafs aren’t sitting around, whether it’s brandishing sticks for goals or Sheldon Keefe wielding a pen with his lineup.
And because they’re ahead in the win column and second in division offence, despite seven games in 12 days so far and 10 matches in two and half weeks by this Saturday, they won’t likely be staying with the same script.

For Tuesday’s rematch in Calgary, 37-year-old Jason Spezza is getting a rest day, winger Joey Anderson could be on deck while Jack Campbell might not be available for back-up duties after a lower-body injury in Sunday’s 3-2 victory.
“With Jack, we’re just letting things get settled down there, getting him evaluated,” said Keefe, who has already lost forwards Joe Thornton and Nick Robertson until at least late February.
Michael Hutchinson is on the trip as the third goalie and the Leafs were likely going back to No. 1 Frederik Andersen on Tuesday. Spezza, meanwhile, was with the taxi squad practice group on Monday, while Anderson, acquired in the Andreas Johnsson trade with New Jersey, was moving up the charts to the fourth line.

“We’re going to keep (Spezza) out,” the coach confirmed. “Our schedule has been busy. We want to give him tomorrow off, then we have a day off after that. We want to give other guys a chance.

“(Anderson) has good energy, good legs, really good attitude and situational awareness. He had a really good camp, but is just one of those guys in a very tough spot, who didn’t get a chance with (no) exhibitions. In scrimmages, inter-squad games and practices, he’s looked good. He’d be excited to go in and he’s definitely one of those guys we want to give a look to.”
WAYNE IS PUCK STRUCK
No touchy-feely moments for Wayne Simmonds with his mom, dad or partner getting his Toronto goal puck.
“I’m gonna to keep that one,” declared the Scarborough native of Sunday’s power play goal. “That’s my first as a Leaf, 500th (NHL) point and 100 on the power play, so maybe I’ll put it on the wall. I have other pucks, probably all in storage in New Jersey (where he began last season) because of COVID-19. I’ll have to decide if mom or dad gets the rest of them.”
Simmonds knew the Leafs were looking for not only some size and snark for a perceived timid team in the off-season, but his net presence with the man-advantage.
“Power play was brought up by both Sheldon and (general manager Kyle Dubas). They didn’t promise me anything, what unit I’d be on, but it excited me.”
Who wouldn’t want to be in the mix with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander? And the fluid second group at times had Thornton, Spezza and Zach Hyman. Simmonds was on with most of the first group and defenceman Morgan Rielly on Sunday when he scored.
“This part of my career, coming off a down year, I was looking forward to this opportunity and continuing it as the year goes on.”
POWER BACK FOR LEAFS
The 9-for-22 Toronto power play is running just under 42%, best in the North Division at the start of this week, third in the league.
All four of Tavares’ goals have come in man-advantage situations. The team’s gaudy numbers will eventually come down as opposing clubs adjust, but after its failure contributed to the playoff loss to Columbus last season, the power play staff are certainly encouraged.
“It’s an area of our game that we have to take pride in,” said Rielly
“Watching tape, it looks a little sloppy to me and I think we can improve. We take ownership of that.”
Marner noted it was a good sign that a bad short-handed goal against by Edmonton last week was quickly answered by the second unit, before the power play elapsed.

MITCH SWITCHED TO ‘ON’
Again, it’s early in the season, but Marner was tied for the league points lead before Monday evening with Connor McDavid of Edmonton and Anze Kopitar of the Kings, all with 10. With Matthews missing a game, Marner is also prominent in ice time.
“Our team, our line has been working together, we’re getting some bounces which is great,” Marner said. “When that goes well, stuff’s going to happen.”
Though Marner insisted he’s no more motivated than at any time of the year, Rielly opined “he’s flying. He likes being on the PK, too. He’s in a good place right now, having fun with it and when that happens, he’s fun to be around.”

LOOSE LEAFS
Keefe shrugged off a question of the Leafs seeking retribution for Matthew Tkachuk landing on Campbell in a crease pile up as the Flames pressed for the tying goal on Sunday. “I didn’t take it as anything. It’s a non-issue for me. We haven’t had any discussions other than how to beat Calgary” … The coach was also asked if there’d be a Rasmus Sandin sighting soon, acknowledging there has been little reason to swap out a healthy defence. “We just need patience, that’s the big thing. One of the really difficult parts of the way this camp with a non-exhibition season has gone, is that players such as Rasmus — younger players, depth players — don’t get nearly the regular opportunities in a regular camp with exhibition. It’s hard to keep them fresh. We’re mindful of it” … This is the Leafs first long road trip under the COVID protocols, which meant no card-playing on their charter jet, usually a favourite player past time. “It’s nice to give some people a chance to read a book,” cracked Rielly. Article from Toronto sun.



I know some people say win the game and forget about that gutless puke... but if its not him ... then go after one of their star players and goad him into doing something stupid. Do something... show up and put in a good effort. A guy shouldn't get away with something like that.

Go Leafs Go

Click to read more...

 

[Critical13]

This gif from the mainboard really highlights Tkachuck leg getting some serious airtime:

Here's a video from the combine of Tkachuck trying to do a push up but his muscle memory kicks in:

Also, props to @Burnie97 for that great GDT!

 

[A1LeafNation]

3th line looks like a nasty one.

4th line looks fast.

 

[taurine330]

Let's go! I'm thinking we'll see a solid game from Freddy.

 

[Clark4Ever]

Focus on winning the game and hit Tkachuk hard at every opportunity. If he's willing to drop the gloves, it's a bonus.

 

[ToneDog]

That lineup looks really good on paper. Now let's get it done on the ice.

 

[Isaac Nootin]

Forget about Tkachuk and focus on the game. The Leafs chasing him around and going out of there way to retaliate is exactly what he wants.

If it happens naturally, then good, but hopefully the Leafs don't waste there time playing his game.

 

[BAM]

Those top 6 lines look great, excited to see Soup play with Nylander + Tavares.

 

[Isaac Nootin]

Really liking that 4th line with the upgrade in speed.

Spezza, while fantastic on draws, is really noticeable in how far behind the play he is this year.

 

[SprDaVE]

I foresee the 3rd line to get caved in shot attempts. Kerfoot is going to need to work a lot to carry that line.

 

[Critical13]

I foresee the 3rd line to get caved in shot attempts. Kerfoot is going to need to work a lot to carry that line.

Agreed, taking Mik off that line is a mistake IMO. We will see how it plays out.

For the life of me, I cannot understand why Engvall is being demoted as well...

 

[Man Bear Pig]

Glad to see Anderson get a shot. I'm hoping he'll stick. Potential to be a poor mans Hyman.

 

[Nineteen67]

Agreed, taking Mik off that line is a mistake IMO. We will see how it plays out.

For the life of me, I cannot understand why Engvall is being demoted as well...

Are they, though?

 

[zeke]

I go

Engvall-Kerfoot-Anderson
Vesey-Boyd-Simmonds

 

[Mickey Marner]

Anderson is called up? Hopefully he can be the bottom-sixer we desperately need.

 

[Once]

Is that 4th line all but confirmed? Heard Keefe say Spezza was out but would really like to see Anderson + Boyd.

 

[LeafalCrusader]

Agreed, taking Mik off that line is a mistake IMO. We will see how it plays out.

For the life of me, I cannot understand why Engvall is being demoted as well...

Taking Vesey off the Tavares line is the right move and Soup is probably the best choice to replace him. I'd swap Simmonds for Engvall though on the 3rd line.

 

[Mugzy97]

Taking Vesey off the Tavares line is the right move and Soup is probably the best choice to replace him.

Agreed. Vesey has earned a demotion and Soup has earned a promotion in my opinion. I like the look of the top 2 lines right now. I'd even prefer to leave them that way when Joe and Jason return and put them together on the 3rd line.

 

[Ziggdiezan]

Seeing Simmonds on the 3rd line is a little worrisome so early in the year...

 

[Gary Nylund]

Two things on the top of my list of things to watch out for (in no particular order):

1)
What do we do about the gutless puke? It better not be nothing. I say we take a page from Wendel Clark's book and do something to one of their stars, Gaudreau for example. It doesn't have to be anything too far out of line but enough to make a statement (slamming him hard into the boards should do) and then whoever does it tells Gaudreau that every time gutless puke takes liberties with our players there will be similar payback. Let their stars decide which they'd prefer - tell gutless puke to behave himself or suffer the consequences?

2)
Lehtonen should finally get a decent amount of ice time. I have high hopes for Lehtonen and am very interested indeed!

 

[BertCorbeau]

Beating teams in back to back games is tough. Calgary played well on Sunday, I expect them to come out hard tonight.

I hope the Leafs bring their legs and are a bit sharper with the puck. Staying out of the box will be important against a good Flames PP.

Hopefully Matthews is feeling better.

 

[Nineteen67]

Two things on the top of my list of things to watch out for (in no particular order):

1)
What do we do about the gutless puke? It better not be nothing. I say we take a page from Wendel Clark's book and do something to one of their stars, Gaudreau for example. It doesn't have to be anything too far out of line but enough to make a statement (slamming him hard into the boards should do) and then whoever does it tells Gaudreau that every time gutless puke takes liberties with our players there will be similar payback. Let their stars decide which they'd prefer - tell gutless puke to behave himself or suffer the consequences?

2)
Lehtonen should finally get a decent amount of ice time. I have high hopes for Lehtonen and am very interested indeed!

There’s no Wendel Clark.
If Matthews isn’t sore now, he will be if that strategy is employed.

 

[Gary Nylund]

There’s no Wendel Clark.
If Matthews isn’t sore now, he will be if that strategy is employed.

I didn't say get Clark to do anything, I said take a page from his book. And I'm pretty sure he still exists.

Simmonds should be able to do the job. Our players will be much more sore if we don't stand up them.

 

[Brobust]

Two things on the top of my list of things to watch out for (in no particular order):

1)
What do we do about the gutless puke? It better not be nothing. I say we take a page from Wendel Clark's book and do something to one of their stars, Gaudreau for example. It doesn't have to be anything too far out of line but enough to make a statement (slamming him hard into the boards should do) and then whoever does it tells Gaudreau that every time gutless puke takes liberties with our players there will be similar payback. Let their stars decide which they'd prefer - tell gutless puke to behave himself or suffer the consequences?

2)
Lehtonen should finally get a decent amount of ice time. I have high hopes for Lehtonen and am very interested indeed!

Dominate play and win.

 

[Nineteen67]

I didn't say get Clark to do anything, I said take a page from his book. And I'm pretty sure he still exists.

Simmonds should be able to do the job. Our players will be much more sore if we don't stand up them.

Simmonds won’t be on the ice with those guys.

The players saw it for what is was and they want fall for his tricks and do anything stupid.

If they are mad and want retribution for anything it would’ve the slash on Willy.