Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Trying to Avoid Record High Losing Streak Against the New Jersey Devils

Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Trying to Avoid Record High Losing Streak Against the New Jersey Devils

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 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.

Jan 28, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman

(44) skates with the puck while being defended by New Jersey Devils center

(14) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs (22-26-4) @ New Jersey Devils (20-22-9), 7:30 p.m., Sportsnet

The Leafs are 0-1-1 against the Devils this season losing the last game 2-1 in a shootout.

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Leafs Injury Report

Dion Phaneuf is out with a hand injury

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Devils Injury Report

Bryce Salvador is out with a back injury

Ryan Clowe is out with a concussion

Stephen Gionta is out with a broken hand

Damon Severson is out with an ankle injury

Line Combinations (Devils)

Game Preview

Jan 28, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing

(71) looks to redirect the puck in front of New Jersey Devils goalie

(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

The Leafs head into tonight’s game against the Devils in the hopes of not setting another franchise record. With their 4-3 loss to the Nashville Predators, the Leafs tied a franchise worst 10 games without a win. One of those losses came against the Devils in a shootout, which technically get the Leafs a point, but now they are hoping to come away with two points. The Devils are one game ahead of the Leafs for 24th place in the league, which gives the Leafs a slightly better percentage of winning the draft lottery.

Feb 3, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators goalie

(30) is unable to make a save during the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of people were left scratching their heads when Peter Horachek decided to let Jonathan Bernier back into the game after he left to get stitches in his leg. The Leafs had taken the lead and had the momentum, but the Predators were able to bounce back and hold on after Carter Hutton made the most ridiculous save of the year. The Devils have gone 6-2-2 in their last 10 games to start climbing up in the standings, but its unlikely that they can make up ground for a wild card spot. Phaneuf is still dealing with a hand injury which may force him to miss both games this weekend, but he may try to come back on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Jan 28, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing

(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

Phil Kessel career vs NJ: 30 GP – 11  goals – 17 assist – 28 PTS

James van Riemsdyk career vs NJ:18 GP- 8 goals- 6 assists- 19 PTS

Cody Franson career vs NJ: 12 GP- 0 goals- 7 assists- 7 PTS

Jonathan Bernier career vs DAL: 5 GP – Record: 2-2-1  2.31 GAA – .917 SV%

James Reimer career vs NJ:8 GP- Record: 4-2-2, 2.35 GAA- .927 SV%

New Jersey Devils

Jan 28, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing

(26) scores a goal on Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) during the shootout at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Maple Leafs 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Cammalleri career vs TOR: 17 GP- 5 goals- 6 assists- 11 PTS

Patrik Elias career vs TOR: 52 GP- 15 goals- 19 assists- 34 PTS

Tuomo Ruutu career vs TOR: 23 GP- 5 goals- 12 assists- 17 PTS

Jaromir Jagr career vs TOR: 51 GP- 31 goals- 42 assists- 73 PTS

Cory Schneider career vs TOR: 5 GP: Record 3-0-2, 1.72 GAA- .935 SV%

Keys to Victory

Feb 3, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman

(6) defends the goal from a shot by Toronto Maple Leafs right winger

(81) late in the third period at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The top line looked flat against the Predators, which forced the depth players to step up their game. However, Horachek let the top line go out with a minute left in the game to try and tie it, even though Tyler Bozak, Kessel and JVR were not deserving of this. Management will be watching to see if that line can get it going again. If not there will be a shake up, especially with Bozak and Kessel’s names being mentioned in trade rumours.

Jan 28, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Patrik Elias (26) skates with the puck while being defended by Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Morgan Rielly had a great game against the Devils the last time he played them. Although he did not have a point in the game, he drove the pace and tried to get some energy in his team by making some remarkable plays at both ends of the ice. If he can do that again, he may be rewarded for his efforts.

Feb 3, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center

(33) scores the game winning goal on a rebound left by Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Bernier has taken a lot of heat for the way he has played through this tough stretch. He is trying to establish himself as a number one goalie and the fact that he needs a new contract should give him more of an incentive to play more consistently. The team has been better in front of him even though they have not produced that much offensively, but now they need Bernier to try and keep them in the game.