Toronto Maple Leafs Look to Take a Bite Out of San Jose Sharks

Dec 3, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) knocks down San Jose Sharks forward Tyler Kennedy (81) as Toronto Maple Leafs forwad Jerred Smithson (22) looks on during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

San Jose Sharks (34-28-8) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (27-38-6), 7:30 p.m. TSN

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The Sharks have won four straight games against the Leafs.

Leafs Injury Report

Stephane Robidas is out with a shoulder injury.

Roman Polak is out with a hernia injury.

Peter Holland is out with a lower-body injury.

Nathan Horton is out with a back injury.

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Sharks Injury Report

Mike Brown is out with a broken fibula.

Raffi Torres is out with a knee injury.

Game Preview

Mar 16, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goalie Ben Scrivens (30) makes a save on a shot by Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) in the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Chris LaFrance-USA TODAY Sports

It has not been enough for the Leafs to lose – there has to be some sort of drama associated with it. In Nazem Kadri’s second game back from being suspended by the team, the NHL decided to hand down a four game suspension after a hit to the head of Matt Fraser, which was fair. However, with Holland and Kadri both out for the next few games, it is not going to be easy for the Leafs to try and get out of their slump.

Mar 16, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Fans in attendance as the Edmonton Oilers host the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Chris LaFrance-USA TODAY Sports

Against the Oilers, the Leafs looked lost and disinterested to start the game – especially near the end of the second period and for the entire third period. What the fans are looking for is some passion from the players, which is not too much to ask for. If a team is not playing well, the players cannot just mail it in and decide there is no point in giving their best effort.

Mar 17, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler (26) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the San Jose Sharks at MTS Centre. Winnipeg wins over San Jose 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

The Sharks are in unfamiliar territory, i.e. not having a secure playoff spot, as their recent struggles have put them five points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the final playoff position. The frustrations were at an all time high when the story broke out that Joe Thornton and GM Doug Wilson had a “difference of opinion” about the state of the team. If the Sharks fail to make the playoffs, what will the course of action be in the offseason? Against the Leafs they have a chance to get back on track, but hopefully Toronto are unwilling to hand over the points to the Sharks.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Dec 3, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel (81) takes a shot as San Jose Sharks defenseman Jason Demers (5) defends during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs SJ: 8 GP- 3 goals- 2 assists- 5 PTS

James van Riemsdyk career vs SJ: 7 GP- 0 goals- 3 assists- 3 PTS

Dion Phaneuf career vs SJ: 24 GP- 4 goals- 10 assists- 14 PTS

Jonathan Bernier career vs SJ: 4 GP- Record: 1-2, 3.57 GAA- .876 SV%

James Reimer career vs SJ: 5 GP- Record: 1-4, 3.03 GAA- .924 SV%

San Jose Sharks

Jan 15, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau (12) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak (46) fight for the puck during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Sharks won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Thornton career vs TOR: 41 GP- 10 goals- 25 assists- 35 PTS

Logan Couture career vs TOR: 5 GP- 1 goal- 1 assist- 2 PTS

Patrick Marleau career vs TOR:19 GP- 9 goals- 8 assists- 17 PTS

Joe Pavelski career vs TOR: 6 GP- 5 goals- 3 assists- 8 PTS

Antti Niemi career vs TOR: 5 GP- Record: 4-1, 1.81 GAA- .931 SV%

Keys to Victory

Mar 16, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers right winger Jordan Eberle (14) takes a shot and scores on Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) in the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Chris LaFrance-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs have allowed far too many odd man rushes that have resulted in easy scoring chances. This was more apparent against the Oilers, when Benoit Pouliot was able to blast two shots at ease on Bernier. The Sharks will welcome easy scoring chances, which the Leafs need to limit.

The penalty kill has not been good for the Leafs, so they need to limit their mistakes that lead to unnecessary penalties.

Mar 16, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Phil Kessel (81) fights for position as Edmonton Oilers left winger Matt Fraser (28) cashes the puck in the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Chris LaFrance-USA TODAY Sports

Kessel has picked up his effort a bit, but has not had that same impact we are used to seeing. His game has become predictable, so he needs to find ways to open up his game and do something that can give some hope that he can pull through his slump.

The Leafs attitude has not been the best. Yes, the situation is not great surrounding the current players, but as a group the team has to set that aside and do their job. That means they cannot sit back or shut down when things do not go their way, especially when they let a goal in early.

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