There’s one game remaining in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ NHL regular season schedule for 2024, and there are plenty of noteworthy lineup details. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Amalie Arena will square off in the contest tonight. The 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoff series between the Leafs and the Sharks is confirmed, but there is still a degree of doubt in the humid Gulf of Mexico air. To keep things brief, they will play the Boston Bruins, who are their rivals from the original six. Moreover, we will talk about the uncertainties. Everything from Matthews’ pursuit of 70 points to injury reports and even a few words on the Leafs’ springtime puck-keeping strategy.
Notes on the top of the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup: Is Matthews Going to Reach 70?
Let’s begin by pursuing the enchanted number 70. The only game left on the schedule for Auston Matthews to hit 70 goals is tonight. A mark not attained since Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny both accomplished it in 1992–1993. Furthermore, there is some interest because neither a Toronto Maple Leaf nor a player born in the United States has ever scored 70 goals. He was also the first Maple Leaf to reach the 60-goal mark in 2021-2022. It is now difficult to identify any weaknesses in Matthews’ goal-scoring performance statistically. With 357 shots, he boasts an incredible 19.3 shooting percentage. He had an eight-game goal streak going into last night’s game against the Florida Panthers. At this point, not reaching 70 becomes less likely, realistically speaking.
The Injury Front is a Significant Aspect of the Toronto Maple Leafs News and Notes on the Lineup
Now let’s turn our attention to Matthews’ teammates and their injuries. It doesn’t seem to be anything major, but it’s enough to raise some questions. There are few information available about the injuries that Bobby McCann, Max Domi, and Calle Jarnkrok have listed for tonight’s game. That degree of specificity is to be expected, though, as we get ready for the postseason. However, the uncertainty—especially with gritty, playoff-caliber hockey players—makes Leafs nation crave complete health. It’s feasible that McCann and Domi may return for the postseason. On the other hand, it is less clear how Jarnkrok is doing as he recovers from a long-term ailment.
Nobody doubts the Leafs’ ability to score, but what about their ability to defend? We mean lockdown, a one-goal lead, the third period, and a game-six victory over the Boston Bruins—not defense. They appear to have just enough time left to work out some major annoyances since the trade deadline. Joel Edmundson possesses an extensive postseason background. Ilya Lyubushkin is an example of someone who adds depth and toughness. Once more, there are some questions on the internet, but there are also answers.
Let’s Discuss Goal Setting
Last season, the Vegas Golden Knights featured four goalies who participated in over ten games during the regular season. Despite only participating in 27 games during the regular season, Adin Hill was named their starting lineup. Currently, Martin Jones, Ilya Samsonov, or Joseph Woll are the three players the Leafs might ride to victory in the first game. They just need to win; aesthetics are not important. Samsonov has the advantage in winning percentage, while Jones has the higher save percentage. But Woll is being raised to be the future. Remember that the 34-year-old Jones has won 32 postseason games in his career. Jones receives the call this evening. In any case, the veteran might be exactly what the doctor ordered if the young person isn’t the solution. Ultimately, it’s the playoffs, and it doesn’t have to be pretty—just like the Leafs defensively.
