Pens, who are hungry for wins, announce who will start against the Leafs

The Leafs have won 3 of their last 4 games and have collected points in all four, but are coming off of a loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Pens have lost 3 of their last 4 and are coming off of a 4-1 win in Washington on Thursday. Prior to that win for the Pens, though, it was pretty rough treading. The Pens had lost 7 straight before their win over the Caps. Now back in the win column, I'm sure we can anticipate a Pens team who is hungry and desperate to keep the ship pointed in the right direction.

The Leafs, as we know, will be starting 3rd-string goaltender Erik Kallgren tonight against the Pens. The Pens, on the other hand, had the opportunity to start Tristan Jarry (4-3-1 in 8 GP), but have instead opted to go with Casey DeSmith (1-3-1 in 5GP). While the move might look like an advantageous one for Toronto based on their records, that's not necessarily the case.

Jarry has struggled mightily this season, owning a very pedestrian 3.38 GAA and a below-average .903 SV% across his 8 games. Meanwhile, DeSmith, despite playing 3 less games and owning a losing record, owns a slightly improved 2.80 GAA and a pretty solid .913 SV%.

The Pens always seem to come into Toronto and play the Leafs hard. By no means will this game be an easy one, despite the fact that the Leafs sit 5 points higher than the Pens in the standings. Hopefully the Buds can take advantage of a Pens team who really seems to be fighting it this year. With Leafs legend Borje Salming expected to be in the building to be honoured during the pre-game ceremonies and to cheer on his team tonight, the Buds have at least one reason to bring their A-game and take it to the Pens.