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Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Trying to Dent the New York Rangers Playoff Position

By David Morassutti

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Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Trying to Dent the New York Rangers Playoff Position

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 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) skates out with the puck as New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) gives chase at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers (30-16-5) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (23-27-4), 7:30 p.m. TSN

Toronto is 2-0 against the Rangers this season

More from Tip of the Tower

Leafs Injury Report

Dion Phaneuf is out with a hand injury

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Rangers Injury Report

Jesper Fast out with a knee injury

Henrik Lundqvist is out with a vascular injury

Line Combinations (Rangers)

Game Preview

Feb 7, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly (44) carries the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

After Saturday night’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, it is clear that the Leafs are not the worst team in the NHL. The Buffalo Sabres and Oilers were basically guaranteed to have the best odds at getting Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, so Leafs Nation should not be disappointed when the team wins a game. They will have a tough game against the Rangers, who have one of the hottest goal scorers in the league. If Rick Nash had played last year anywhere close to the way he has this season, the Rangers could have had a better chance of beating the Los Angeles Kings in the finals.

Nov 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) prepares to shoot against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Rangers 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers will have to hold onto one of the final wild card spots with goaltender Lundqvist out, after he took a puck to the throat in what could have been a serious situation. They currently have 65 points and an eight point cushion on the Florida Panthers. The Leafs have a chance to sweep their season series against the Rangers this season, which is surprising given the way the campaign has gone. What the Leafs need to continue to focus on is playing the right way. On Saturday night even though they won they had some luck on their side and James Reimer played a solid game. They cannot expect things to go that easily against the Rangers.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Nov 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) passes the puck in front of the net as New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot (33) guards the net at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Rangers 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs NYR: 29 GP- 9 goals- 11 assists- 20 PTS

Tyler Bozak career vs NYR: 16 GP- 3 goals- 8 assists- 11 PTS

Nazem Kadri career vs NYR: 10 GP- 3 goals- 3 assists- 6 PTS

Leo Komarov career vs NYR: 5 GP- 1 goal- 3 assists- 4 PTS

** James Reimer career vs NYR: 5 GP- Record: 2-1-1, 3.08 GAA- .912 SV%

** Jonathan Bernier career vs NYR: 6 GP- Record: 2-1-2,  3.18 GAA- .918 sv%

** depending on who starts in goal.

New York Rangers

Nov 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) guards the net as New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) circles around with the puck at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Rangers 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Nash career vs TOR: 16 GP- 6 goals- 6 assists- 12 PTS

Derek Stepan career vs TOR: 14 GP- 2 goals- 9 assists- 11 PTS

Martin St. Louis career vs TOR: 54 GP- 18 goals- 34 assists- 53 PTS

Carl Hagelin career vs TOR: 11 gP- 3 goals- 3 assists- 6 PTS

Chris Kreider career vs TOR: 5 GP- 2 goals- 3 assists- 5 PTS

Cam Talbot career vs TOR: 3 GP- Record:2-0. 2.02 GAA- .926 sv%

Keys to Victory

Jan 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) shoots against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Blue Jackets 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Morgan Rielly had one of the nicest Leafs goals in recent memories, but to expect that from him every game is going to be difficult. The Leafs may be tempted to rush Rielly’s development after that goal Saturday night, with everyone ready to label him as the “saviour”. However, the more time they give him to work on his skills he can become a vital part of the future.

Feb 7, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (34) makes a save on a wrap around attempt by Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle (right) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Reimer had a decent game against the Oilers, something the Leafs have not seen in a while. If the Leafs want to string together a couple of wins (not too many for the sake of the draft lottery) whoever is in net will have to be solid.

The Rangers are a big physical team, but their defence is a weak point for them. If the Leafs use their speed they can get in good position to get Grade A scoring chances on an easier goalie in Talbot.

The Leafs need to play with more intensity without the puck and avoid the brain numbing mistakes. Too many times they can get caught in no man’s land and be watching the play without reacting, especially the top line.

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