Back in October, the Leafs and Jets played a heated affair that resulted in 12 penalties, most of which were coincidental penalties. The Leafs took advantage of their 3 powerplays, going 2 for 3 in a 4-1 win. The past few meetings have been heated since Neal Pionk's hit on Rasmus Sandin and Jason Spezza's retaliation which led to a six-game suspension. In that game, the Leafs opted for a much more physical lineup with Wayne Simmonds and Kyle Clifford dressing.
This time around however, the Leafs are giving Dryden Hunt and recently recalled Bobby McMann an opportunity in their places as Clifford is still with the Marlies and Simmonds projects to be a healthy scratch. At the morning skate today, the Leafs displayed the same lines they used the other night against Florida, with one change on the blueline.
Rasmus Sandin returns to the lineup in place of Conor Timmins. Timothy Liljegren will get another game skating alongside Morgan Rielly while Mark Giordano and Justin Holl will remain together. Last week, Sheldon Keefe hinted that he may reunite Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews more at 5on5, but he continues to have them play on separate lines as both lines are playing well currently.