Toronto Maple Leafs Try to Split Season Series Against St. Louis Blues

Toronto Maple Leafs Try to Split Season Series Against 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 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 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Ryan Reaves (75) pushes Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) during the third period at Scottrade Center. The Blues defeated the Maple Leafs 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Blues (40-19-5) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (26-34-5), 7:00 p.m. CBC.

The Leafs are 0-1 against the Blues this season.

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Leafs Injury Report

Nathan Horton is out with a back injury

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Blues Injury Report

Kevin Shattenkirk is out with an abdomen injury

Zbynek Michalek is doubtful with a concussion.

Game Preview

Mar 5, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) shoots on goal as Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) makes a save during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

A slow start against the Tampa Bay Lightning cost the Leafs a chance to make it a close game against an elite team. The last time the Leafs played the Blues they were going through an offensive funk and lost 3-0 to end a tough western road trip. The Leafs return home after a tough road trip where they went 1-3 beating a Panthers team that had to bring Roberto Luongo out of street clothes to finish the game.

Jan 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny (26) falls on to Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The Blues were a busy team at the deadline acquiring Olli Jokinen (from the Leafs), Robert Bortuzzo, and Michalek in the hope of making a push for the Stanley Cup. Their goaltending will be key for them, whether it is Brian Elliott or Jake Allen who can get the team over the hump. They have more depth than usual, especially upfront with Vladamir Tarasenko leading the way.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Jan 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) skates against St. Louis Blues left wing Joakim Lindstrom (10) during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs STL: 9 GP- 3 goals- 5 assists- 8 PTS

Tyler Bozak career vs STL: 5 GP- 0 goals- 2 assists- 2 PTS

James van Riemsdyk career vs STL: 6 GP- 2 goals- 0 assists- 2 PTS

Dion Phaneuf career vs STL: 25 GP- 4 goals- 12 assists- 16 PTS

Jonathan Bernier career vs STL: 7 GP- Record: 2-4, 3.15 GAA- .898 SV%

St. Louis Blues

Jan 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) handles the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) defends during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Pietrangelo career vs TOR: 6 GP- 0 goals- 4 assists- 4 PTS

David Backes career vs TOR: 9 GP- 7 goals- 5 assists- 12 PTS

Alexander Steen career vs TOR: 6 GP- 5 goals- 4 assists- 9 PTS

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

Brian Elliot career vs TOR: 12 GP- Record: 5-5-1, 2.78 GAA- .898 SV%

Keys to Victory

Jan 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) celebrates after scoring a goal against Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) during the first period at Scottrade Center. The Blues defeated the Maple Leafs 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs need to keep the Blues from creating space for themselves in the offensive zone. They have enough skilled players that can create space for them.

The Blues forwards will try to get behind the defence to create odd man rushes and breakaways, so the Leafs will have to keep their eyes on that.

The top line has not been playing well defensively, which has been their weakest point all season. The best way for them to be better defensively is to try and establish more offensive zone time by cycling the puck and establish a forecheck. Too many times they will just lazily shoot the puck on net and hope the goalie does not make the save.