Maple Leafs Host Devils Tonight as Toronto Manages Multiple Injuries
The Toronto Maple Leafs host the surging New Jersey Devils tonight at 7:00 p.m. EST at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto enters the contest looking to reverse a 1-4-0 stretch, while New Jersey arrives on a four-game winning streak. The game will be broadcast on TSN4, with the Maple Leafs missing several key players.
Maple Leafs manage lineup absences
The Maple Leafs will face the Devils without defensemen Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev, according to Maple Leafs Hot Stove. Head coach Jim Hiller noted that Oliver Ekman-Larsson is expected to step into the top four following his strongest performance of the season. The team also recalled defenseman Cole McWard to address the depth concerns on the blue line.
Toronto is managing a lengthy injury report that includes Kirill Marchenko, Nick Blankenburg, and Marshall Rifai on injured reserve, while Max Domi, Miles Wood, and Elvis Merzlikins remain on long-term injured reserve. Cade Webber and William Villeneuve are also sidelined as the team attempts to recover from a 4-2 loss to Montreal on Saturday. During that contest, John Tavares returned to the ice for 21:06 of action.
Devils lean on Hellebuyck and momentum
New Jersey arrives in Toronto riding a four-game winning streak, most recently defeating the New York Islanders 5-4 in overtime on Saturday. Hiller noted that the trade for Hellebuyck has increased confidence across the Devils' roster. The New Jersey Devils currently hold a 12-5-0 record, positioning them in the Atlantic Division.
Toronto turned on Timo Time. pic.twitter.com/vhdtJ79gZO
Regarding the Devils’ roster, Seamus Casey is currently listed as out. Jack Hughes remains a primary threat for New Jersey, which is coming off an overtime victory against the Islanders.
Special teams dictate the pace
The matchup features a large difference in special teams efficiency. Toronto’s power play enters the game operating at a 28.6 percent success rate. Conversely, the Devils’ penalty kill has struggled recently, successfully neutralizing only 67.6 percent of opposing opportunities.
Keefe returns to Scotiabank Arena
“It’s a sign that I’m getting older because there are so many of the names that I’m used to seeing,” Keefe stated.
Projected lines for tonight
The Maple Leafs are expected to feature Auston Matthews centering Easton Cowan and Nick Paul, while William Nylander joins John Tavares and Gavin McKenna on the second line. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Looking ahead to Tuesday
Following tonight’s contest, both teams will move on to their next challenges. The New Jersey Devils travel to face the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m. EST. The Toronto Maple Leafs remain at home to host the Colorado Avalanche on the same night.
Fans looking to attend the game at Scotiabank Arena can purchase tickets via Ticketmaster. The broadcast is available on TSN4, MSG Sportsnet, and NHL Network, with radio coverage provided by TSN 1050 for Toronto and the Devils Hockey Network for New Jersey.