Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lineup For Clash vs. Ottawa Senators
The Battle of Ontario adds another game to its history as Toronto faces off with Ottawa on Tuesday. How will Toronto's lines look ahead of their divisional clash?
With the Maple Leafs currently riding a hot hand, they look to keep things going against the Atlantic Division as we get the 169th meeting between Toronto and Ottawa on Tuesday at home at Scotiabank Arena.
But there are several questions regarding the Maple Leafs' lineup as it pertains to Tuesday night. Auston Matthews is eligible to return from the IR, Jani Hakanpaa has the potential to make his Maple Leafs debut, and there's the status of Max Pacioretty which while positive, is still currently unknown.
So if Craig Berube wants to keep the momentum going, is he going to change things around?
Keep in mind, these lines are subject to change and do not take into account any last-minute changes or injuries and are just a projection.
So let's take a look:
Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lines
Knies -- Domi -- Marner
McMann -- Tavares -- Nylander
Lorentz -- Holmberg -- Robertson
Dewar -- Kampf -- Reaves
Toronto activated Connor Dewar from his conditioning stint when Auston Matthews went down, and he could easily slide into the bottom line while Steven Lorentz takes over McMann's spot.
Auston Matthews Won't Be Available...Again
So it's not bad that Auston Matthews is potentially returning; every team could use a 60+ goal scorer for sure. But it does create a bit of a caveat in Toronto's momentum.
Historically, Toronto is much better without their captain and it's tough to want to mess with a good thing. They don't need to worry though as their captain will miss the Battle of Ontario and Toronto will keep things as they were.
A renewed powerplay and a complete team effort is something that has led the team to such dominance lately, and while adding Matthews brings firepower, it also brings a wild card into the situation. Will the powerplay suffer now with a shift in personnel?
Hopefully not, but if Toronto is going to just go back to the status quo regarding their team, they may find their successes stop as quickly as it came.
Jani Hakanpaa's Debut
Jani Hakanpaa was scratched from Sunday's game for the Marlies. With no setbacks or injuries when it comes to his return, it's presumed he's getting ready to debut.
Hakanpaa's ready it seems, as the towering defenseman was seen skating with the team at practice, the first time since signing with the team in September:
It's an exciting prospect to add an even more elite defender to an improved blueline, and if Hakanpaa can gain his footing again and stay healthy: Toronto is going to be a nightmare defensively. It's uncertain if he'll play, but if he does then it'll be a great sign towards not only his but the Maple Leafs' future.
Is Max Pacioretty OK?
No. No he isn't. It was an unfortunate turn of events for the 35-year old. After showing new life with the Maple Leafs, irony turned its ugly head as he got tangled up with his former team and ended up suffering a lower-body injury.
The specifics aren't known but the optics aren't good. Toronto placed Pacioretty on the IR on Monday and say he is week-to-week. It's a blemish on a story that has been such fun to watch this season. After two terrible seasons with injuries, Pacioretty had new life with the Maple Leafs this year.
If he is out long-term, look for Toronto to replace him with Bobby McMann on the second line to add that toughness and big body that Pacioretty offered minus a bit of defense and scoring potential. Connor Dewar also is going to make his debut soon, so Craig Berube could use him as well.
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