Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Trying to End On a High Note Against the St. Louis Blues

We have all waited patiently and now it is time to drop the puck on a new season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Here a

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t the Tip of the Tower we strive to give you as much content on your Toronto sports teams as humanly possible. This series will preview every single Toronto Maple Leafs game and what you should know for the game that night.

Mar 25, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) is upended as he carries the puck by Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Joffrey Lupul (19) and defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) at Air Canada Centre. The Blues beat the Maple Leafs 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs (22-20-3) @ St. Louis Blues (27-13-4) 7:00 p.m. CBC.

The Leafs lost both games against the Blues last season.

Leafs Injury Report

Joffrey Lupul is out with a lower-body injury.

Peter Holland is out with a lower-body injury.

Leo Komarov is doubtful with a shoulder injury

David Booth is doubtful with a head injury.

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Blues Injury Report

Chris Porter is out with a leg injury.

Game Preview

Jan 15, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Tommy Wingels (57) scores an open net goal as Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) looks during the final minutes of third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Sharks won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs will look to snap a three-game losing streak against one of the hotter teams in the NHL when they go up against the Blues, who look like a much improved team from last season. Most of it has come from the play of Vladimir Tarasenko, who is tied for third in the NHL for goals with 24. The Blues pride themselves on great defence and goaltending which has been apparent over the years, but now with Tarasenko scoring, they have a better chance to advance in the playoffs. The last two seasons they were in the playoffs, they have had to go up against the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings, which are two hard teams to face right out of the gate.

Jan 15, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) celebrates with T.J. Oshie (74) after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Detroit Red Wings defeat the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

In a way the Leafs would benefit from being a team like the Blues, who have a lot of their draft picks playing key roles on the team. With the additions of players like Jay Boumeester Paul Stastny, and Martin Brodeur (whose future with the team is in question), they have a chance to make a run for the Cup. The Leafs are having a hard time getting a goal, let alone a bounce, to go their way. Against San Jose the Leafs could have had a better fate in that game, but the Sharks found a way to seize momentum in the second period, even though James Reimer played a solid game.

Expect Jonathan Bernier and Brian Elliot to get the starts in goal tonight.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Dec 12, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) handles the puck as St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester (19) defends during the first period at the Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs STL: 8 GP- 3 goals- 5 assists- 8 PTS

Tyler Bozak career vs STL: 4 GP- 0 goals- 2 assists- 2 PTS

James van Riemsdyk career vs STL: 5 GP- 2 goals- 0 assists- 2 PTS

Dion Phaneuf career vs STL: 24 GP- 4 goals- 12 assists- 16 PTS

Jonathan Bernier career vs STL: 6 GP- Record: 2-3, 3.18 GAA- .896 SV%

St. Louis Blues

Mar 25, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) knocks down Toronto Maple Leafs right wing David Clarkson (71) at Air Canada Centre. The Blues beat the Maple Leafs 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Pietrangelo career vs TOR: 5 GP- 0 goals- 3 assists- 3 PTS

David Backes career vs TOR: 8 GP- 7 goals- 3 assists- 10 PTS

Alexander Steen career vs TOR: 5 GP- 4 goals- 3 assists- 7 PTS

Jaden Schwartz career vs TOR: 2 GP- 1 goal- 2 assists- 3 PTS

Brian Elliot career vs TOR: 11 GP- Record: 4-5-1, 3.06 GAA- .898 SV%

Jake Allen career vs TOR: 11 GP- Record: 8-2-1, 2.49 GAA- .892 SV%

Keys to Victory

Mar 25, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Blues left wing Jaden Schwartz (9) is blocked by Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) at Air Canada Centre. The Blues beat the Maple Leafs 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs need to come out strong against the Blues, otherwise the game could get ugly quick.

The Leafs need to avoid being too passive in their own end and not have all five players stand in front of the net like they did on the second goal in the game against the Sharks.

As usual, Bernier will have to be on his game if the Leafs want any chance to win, especially because the Blues will be aggressive on the forecheck and likely force a lot of turnovers.

Nov 29, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Carl Gunnarsson (4) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Blues defeated the Wild 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

It would be nice for the Leafs to take advantage of playing against Carl Gunnarsson the former Leafs defenceman, but do not expect the Blues to match him up against Kessel.

If the Leafs can establish a decent effort to start the game, it could give them a chance to pull in close against the Blues, but do not expect a blowout unless Elliot has a bad game.

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