Game Day: Leafs must reignite scoring to support goaltending

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Anaheim Ducks (10-13-4) at Toronto Maple Leafs (17-9-2)    

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WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m.    

TV: Sportsnet, RADIO: FAN 590   

THE ODDS

Anaheim +150, Toronto – 150    

THE BUZZ

Though Anthony Stolarz was the talk of the Maple Leafs’ 2-1 overtime win in New Jersey on Tuesday, the Leafs likely keep what has been a successful goaltending rotation and go back to Joseph Woll, whose six-game win streak was snapped Saturday in Pittsburgh … The Leafs had a day off earlier this week and most definitely didn’t use it to full advantage, beaten to the punch through much of Tuesday. So, after another 24 hours off to watch some video, they should be prepped properly … They have faced a lot of opponents on the second of a back-to-back. That will be the case again Thursday, as the Ducks flew in from a game in Ottawa, which they lost 5-1 … The Leafs have give up the first goal of their games with annoying frequency … Lukas Dostal is slated to start for Anaheim in net after being rocked for four goals on 18 shots here in February, part of a 9-2 loss and an Auston Matthews hat trick before Dostal was yanked.    

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THE NEWS

Winger Alex Nylander and farmhand defenceman Dakota Mermis were placed on waivers Wednesday … There could be clarity Thursday on when defenceman Jake McCabe comes back from a head injury … Defenceman Jacob Trouba cut the cord with the Rangers last week and will play his third game for Anaheim … Toronto’s William Nylander is four shots on goal away from 1,856 and passing Frank Mahovlich for eighth in franchise history …  The Leafs recalled winger Nikita Grebenkin on Thursday morning and sent defenceman Marshall Rifai back to the Marlies.

THE QUOTE

“The start of the season was not good for me, I played pretty bad. Right now, I’m happy.” – Winger Pontus Holmberg on his huge tying goal Tuesday, his second of the year and first ever short-handed. 

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THE PROJECTED LEAFS LINEUP

Forwards

Max Pacioretty-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner 

Matthew Knies-John Tavares-William Nylander    

Max Domi-Fraser Minten-Steven Lorentz   

Pontus Holmberg-Connor Dewar-Ryan Reaves    

Defence     

Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Chris Tanev 

Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers 

Simon Benoit-Conor Timmins   

Goalies

Joseph Woll   

Anthony Stolarz  

Injuries

Toronto: LW Bobby McMann (lower body), C David Kampf (lower body), F Calle Jarnkrok (groin), D Jake McCabe (head), D Jani Hakanpaa (knee).  

Anaheim: C Trevor Zegras (knee), winger Robby Fabbri (knee). 

THE PREDICTION

Ducks are better than they have shown on this Canadian road trip, but 4-2 Leafs on an empty-netter.     

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