The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to face off against the San Jose Sharks tonight at the SAP Center, aiming to avenge a previous loss to the Sharks earlier this month. The game, which begins at 10:30 p.m. EST, is crucial for the Leafs as they look to solidify their standing in the Atlantic Division and maintain momentum heading into the playoffs.
In their last encounter on March 3, the Maple Leafs squandered a 2-0 lead, ultimately losing 3-2 in a shootout. This defeat has lingered in the minds of the players, fueling their desire for redemption. "They have a lot of skill, and their power play is clicking. It has been really good in the last 10 games," noted Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube, emphasizing the need for his team to remain vigilant against the Sharks' potent offense.
The Sharks, currently sitting at the bottom of the standings with a record of 19-42-9, have shown flashes of competitiveness, particularly with their power play operating at a 28% success rate in recent games. Morgan Rielly, a key defenseman for the Leafs, acknowledged the importance of tightening their play in all areas. "We want to improve the penalty kill. We want to improve chances against and chances for. This is a time, as players, when you are extremely focused on doing whatever you can to get your game to where it needs to be," he said.
As the Leafs prepare for this critical matchup, they will be leaning heavily on their star players. Auston Matthews, who has been a driving force for the team, is expected to shine on the power play. He has been instrumental in their recent success, contributing significantly to a power play that has scored seven times over the last five games. Matthews leads the team with nine points on the man-advantage this month, and his performance will be vital against a Sharks team that ranks 26th in penalty killing.
The projected lines for the Maple Leafs feature an impressive array of talent, including Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. This trio has been pivotal in the Leafs' offensive strategy, with Marner leading the team with 86 points in 70 games, followed closely by William Nylander with 77 points in 71 games. The depth of the lineup is a clear advantage for Toronto, as they aim to exploit the Sharks' weaknesses.
On the Sharks' side, rookie Macklin Celebrini is expected to make an impact, playing alongside established players like William Eklund and Will Smith. Celebrini, who is still adjusting to the NHL pace, shared his thoughts on the challenge of building chemistry with his linemates. "Some of these teams like Toronto and Colorado have been together for so long. They already know where each other is going to be and where the space is with their different tendencies. I think we are still trying to learn that," he explained.
In a twist of fate, Celebrini is living with former NHL star Joe Thornton, which has provided him with invaluable guidance during his rookie season. "It has been amazing. His wife and kids — the whole family — have taken me in and made me feel at home. That makes my life a little bit easier when trying to adjust to this whole thing," Celebrini said.
The Sharks will be looking to capitalize on their home-ice advantage, despite their struggles this season. Alexandar Georgiev is projected to start in goal for San Jose, and his performance will be crucial in holding off the high-octane Maple Leafs offense. Meanwhile, Joseph Woll is expected to take the crease for Toronto, aiming to bounce back from the earlier defeat.
As the teams prepare to clash, the stakes are high for the Maple Leafs. A victory tonight would not only help them avenge their earlier loss but also solidify their position in the playoff race. The Leafs are currently 43-25-5, and with just a handful of games left in the season, every point matters as they aim to finish atop the Atlantic Division.
The matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both teams bringing unique strengths and storylines to the ice. Fans can catch the action live on Sportsnet Ontario and NBC Sports California. As puck drop approaches, the anticipation builds for what could be a pivotal moment in the Maple Leafs' quest for playoff glory.
With the Leafs looking to establish their dominance and the Sharks eager to play spoiler, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter that fans won’t want to miss.
