Information:
Penguins are 16-8-0 for 32 points (2nd in the East). Leafs are 15-10-0 for 30 points (5th in the East).
Leafs real projected lines:
JVR-Bozak-Kessel
McClement-Grabo-Kulemin
MacArthur-Kadri-Frattin
Orr-Steckel-Komarov
Phaneuf-Holzer
Gunnarsson-Kostka
Fraser-Franson
Reimer
Scrivens
- Mikey's keys to victories:
- Establish the forecheck early, the Leafs don't have a ton of great puck-movers on their backline if it's accurate that John-Michael Liles remains out and Jake Gardiner remains in the minors. Pressure these guys into mistakes!
- Careful of that Leafs "third line", it's not really a third line...Matt Frattin returns to the lineup tonight and Nazem Kadri is red hot. Randy Carlyle has been sending Kadri out against third pairings and fourth lines to try to get easier matchups for him/them...we have to be aware when those shifty players are on the ice. Don't look now, but Kadri leads the team in points!
- In n' Out, In n' Out around the front of the net. Utilize the area behind the net to our advantage because the Leafs defense isn't terribly mobile...cut in through their zone and go to the front of the net on the fly, if it's not there, go behind the net and try to pull them apart a little bit...our forwards are faster than their D, we can win a lot of puck battles tonight with good timing...
Note: Carlyle speculated that there might be changes to the lineup too...could see Frazer McLaren tonight, could even see John Michael-Liles on D...we'll know soon enough!
Fun fact: Crosby career vs. Leafs: 23 GP - 18 goals, 19 assists, 37 points...let's double those totals tonight!
