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Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Trying to End Dry Spell Against the Arizona Coyotes

By David Morassutti

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Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Trying to End Dry Spell Against the Arizona Coyotes

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

Nov 4, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Martin Hanzal (11) is stopped by Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) during the third period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Coyotes (16-25-6) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (22-23-4) 7:30 p.m. TSN

Toronto lost their last game against the Coyotes 3-2.

More from Tip of the Tower

Leafs Injury Report

Dion Phaneuf out with a hand injury

Stephane Robidas out with a lower-body injury

Joffrey Lupul is out with a lower-body injury

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Coyotes Injury Report

Mikkel Boedker out with a ruptured spleen

Line Combinations (Coyotes)

Game Preview

Jan 28, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) scores a goal on New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Maple Leafs 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

After a heartbreaking loss to the New Jersey Devils where Patrik Elias made a ridiculous move in the shootout to complete the comeback in a game that the Leafs dominated. Peter Holland and Leo Komarov looked solid in their return from injury showing no sign of rust. David Clarkson followed a strong game against the Ottawa Senators by setting up the Leafs only goal of the game with a nifty between-the-legs pass to Tyler Bozak who sent James van Riemsdyk on a breakaway. Jonathan Bernier was not overly busy but he kept the Devils from getting on the score sheet until late in the third period.

Nov 4, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) celebrates with center Tyler Bozak (42) and right wing Phil Kessel (81) after scoring a power play goal in the second period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

It has not been an easy transition from Randy Carlyle to Peter Horachek, but the last two games were good building blocks moving forward. But at this point the team needs a win. For the fans putting their support for the Leafs to basically lose as many games as they can have to remember that a team like the Coyotes are 10 points behind the Leafs so losing against them does not make any drastic changes to the standing. At this point the Leafs just need to continue to put forth a decent effort win or lose and as long as they can find a way to get in the top 10 or even the top five it won’t hurt. Plus the Coyotes are not a confident group going 2-6-2 in their last 10 games, blowing a 2-0 lead to the Philadelphia Flyers in their last game.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Nov 4, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) carries the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul (19) defends during the first period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs ARI: 8 GP- 3 goals- 4 assists- 7 PTS

Jake Gardiner career vs ARI: 4 GP- 1 goal- 1 assist- 2 PTS

Nazem Kadri career vs ARI: 3 GP- 1 goal- 1 assist- 2 PTS

** Jonathan Bernier career vs ARI: 4 GP- Record: 3-0, 1.34 GAA- .967 sv%

** James Reimer career vs Arizona: 3 GP- Record: 1-2, 2.63 GAA- .909 sv%

**Depending on who starts in goal

Arizona Coyotes

Nov 4, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes left wing Martin Erat (10) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Doan career vs TOR: 26 GP- 5 goals- 11 assists- 15 PTS 

Antoine Vermette career vs TOR: 38 GP- 9 goals- 13 assists- 22 PTS

Sam Gagner career vs TOR: 10 GP- 3 goals- 4 assists- 7 PTS

Keith Yandle career vs TOr: 7 GP- 1 goal- 6 assists- 7 PTS

Mike Smith career vs TOR: 6 GP- Record: 4-1-2, 2.35 GAA- .924 sv%

Keys to Victory for Toronto

Dec 19, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) chases down the puck against the Phoenix Coyotes at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Coyotes 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel needs to find a way to convert on his chances. It is not like he has not been getting quality scoring chances, he is struggling to make something happen. The depth players will have to step up with Kessel struggling, something JVR has done recently. He currently leads the team in goals with 21 and scored in his last two games.

Jan 28, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) skates with the puck while being defended by New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique (14) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Morgan Rielly is slowly progressing in his development showing more confidence to be more active in both ends of the ice. He needs to find a way to get the players around him to benefit from his ability to create chances with his speed, if he has a chance for a shot he has to at least get it on net.

The Leafs goalies have struggled to keep the Leafs in a close game (hard to do when the offence is cold) but if they can get out of the first period either tied, in the lead or close, it gives confidence in the Leafs being able to comeback. That was the case last night and hopefully it continues.

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