Leafs reporter drops some huge information ahead of practice regarding two of the team's top players
Heading into Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Maple Leafs received some tough news just before puck drop as Auston Matthews and T.J. Brodie did not participate in the pre-game warmups. When it was announced that neither player would suit up for the contest, it led to a lot of concern for Leaf fans, who were hoping to get back into the win column after suffering a disappointing loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday evening.
Well, as it turned out, no Auston, no T.J., no problem. The Leafs not only beat the Penguins on home ice in front of a raucous Scotiabank Arena crowd, they dominated the Pens, skating away with a decisive 7-0 victory.
In Matthews' absence, Max Domi, Tyler Bertuzzi and Matthew Knies stepped up their games, supporting Mitch Marner and William Nylander at the top of the Leafs' lineup. Meanwhile, the Leafs also received contributions from Noah Gregor, Pontus Holmberg and Bobby McMann as well a little lower down the lineup.
A defense corps that was lacking John Klingberg, Mark Giordano and the aforementioned Brodie was fortunate enough to add Timothy Liljegren back into the fold, and the group of blueliners, featuring Liljegren, Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, Conor Timmins, William Lagesson and Simon Benoit combined for 3 points in the win and helped limit the number of high-danger scoring chances, helping goaltender Martin Jones secure a 38-save shutout. Jones was very complementary about his teammates following the win, saying that the team in front of him made it easy for him to do his job.
Well, even though the team faired quite well without their top forward and one of their best defenders this weekend, Monday's practice still provided a welcomed sight, as Matthews and Brodie were both back on the ice at practice this morning.
It's too early to confirm whether or not both will return to the lineup on Tuesday, when the Leafs host the New York Rangers on a night where the team will honour captain John Tavares, who reached the 1,000-point milestone last week, but just the fact that the two impact players were back on the ice this morning is a good sign that they're trending in the right direction.
Matthews has amassed 23 goals and 35 points through 27 games thus far this season. Meanwhile, Brodie, who is not exactly known for his offensive production, has racked up 6 assists and is currently a +7 this season.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 651 ANSWERS Leafs reporter drops some huge information ahead of practice regarding two of the team's top players Will the Leafs overtake the Bruins to win the Atlantic Division? | ||
| Yes | 359 | 55.1 % |
| No | 292 | 44.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
