Game Preview
Many players have traded places between these two teams over the years – which makes tonight’s game more exciting than usual. Toronto will no doubt want to showcase its youth – and Anaheim will show Toronto what a respectable hockey team looks like.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the middle of a major tear down. Some may call it a re-build, but there are still major parts that need to be moved around. Goaltending is always an issue in the NHL and the Leafs are in need of a goalie like Price or Bishop- not today – but one day. In their current state, they are shining at times and epically failing at others. It is an extremely young team with a handful of “veterans” like Kadri. Matthews was expected to put on a show against Arizona and managed to score a goal against his hometown team. The Leafs failed to win that game. The Leafs are coming off of a huge overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. They will try to salvage some momentum – but they are likely to stay out of playoff contention this year.
Player Spotlight: Austin Matthews
An American player originally from California, but grew up watching the Coyotes when his family moved to Arizona. He was drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs this year. In his first game he scored four goals which is an all-time record for first game goals by a rookie. This season he has 14 goals and 9 assists for a respectable 23 pts in 30 games played. He seemed to have a tiny slump – but Matthews is only 19 and needs time to fully mature.
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have had a good team for a long time. They have dumped a lot of salary on Toronto over the years – and don’t seem much better for any of the trades either. They have however been a competitive team for a long time. This year is no different with the Ducks in second in the west. With a record of 16-11-5 the Ducks have been a nasty opponent. With three “double digit” scorers in Getzlaf, Perry and Kessler – the young Toronto team will have a time with this Anaheim team – who could very well be Stanley Cup bound.
Player Spotlight: Ryan Getzlaf
A Canadian player from Regina SK. Getzlaf is a 31-year-old center who was drafted 19th in the first round by the ducks in 2003. He has been an amazing member of the ducks his entire career. His points per season have consistently been over 50 and he has had as many as 91. He continues to post more than 50 a season – in 2015-16 he had 50 assists alone! Ryan Getzlaf scored a goal and added an assist in Anaheim’s 6-2 loss to Dallas. He is on a three-game point streak – and will be looking to extend that against Toronto.
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