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Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Travelling to Face the Ottawa Senators and the Hamburglar

By David Morassutti

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Toronto Maple Leafs Game Preview: Travelling to Face the Ottawa Senators and the Hamburglar

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.

Nov 9, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) and Ottawa Senators right wing Bobby Ryan (6) battle for the puck in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Maple Leafs defeated the Senators 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs (27-39-6) @ Ottawa Senators (35-24-11): 7:00 p.m CBC

The Leafs are 1-1 against the Senators this season.

More from Tip of the Tower

Leafs Injury Report

Peter Holland out with a lower-body injury.

Nazem Kadri is out because of his suspension

Stephane Robidas out with a shoulder injury

Roman Polak out with a hernia injury

Nathan Horton out with a back injury

Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)

Senators Injury Report

Craig Anderson out with a hand injury

Robin Lehner out with a concussion

Clarke MacArthur out with a concussion

Chris Phillips out with an undisclosed injury

Chris Neil out with a broken thumb

Projected Line Combinations(Senators)

Game Preview

Mar 19, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Andrew Hammond (30) stretches during warmup prior to game against the Boston Bruins at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Bruins 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Just two points out of a playoff spot the Senators are being propelled by the stellar play of Andrew Hammond better known as the Hamburglar. In a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins they sit just two points being the Bruins for the final playoff spot. They have a chance to win their sixth straight game but will need some help along the way to get to the postseason. With three games left against the Leafs it will be crucial for them to get as many points against non-playoff teams.

Mar 19, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Logan Couture (39) scores a goal in the second period past Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier (45) at Air Canada Centre. The Sharks beat the Maple Leafs 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

There seems to be a disconnect in the locker room with the Leafs which is no shock given how the Leafs have played recently. From Jonathan Bernier‘s comments about the Leafs playing like a junior team to Peter Horachek’s comment about the team’s poor effort to Phil Kessel saying that the players are trying. It is hard to defend the Leafs effort given that during this recent slump they have been outplayed and outworked by their opponent. Against the Senators the Leafs usually play a spirited effort and hopefully that will not change.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Jan 21, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) skates with the puck past Ottawa Senators left wing Mike Hoffman (68) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Phil Kessel career vs OTT: 48 GP- 25 goals- 22 assists- 47 PTS

Tyler Bozak career vs OTT: 25 GP- 9 goals- 10 assists- 19 PTS

James van Riemsdyk career vs OTT: 21 GP- 10 goals- 9 assists- 19 PTS

Morgan Rielly career vs OTT: 5 GP- 0 goals- 3 assists- 3 PTS

James Reimer career vs OTT: 15 GP- Record: 10-3-1, 2.19 GAA- .937 SV%

Jonathan Bernier career vs OTT: 2 GP- Record: 2-0, 1.92 GAA- .927 SV%

Ottawa Senators

Jan 21, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (41) skates with the puck past Toronto Maple Leafs center Trevor Smith (23) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Erik Karlsson’s career vs TOR: 21 GP- 4 goals- 9 assists- 13 PTS

Kyle Turris career vs TOR: 16 GP- 3 goals- 4 assists- 7 PTS

Bobby Ryan career vs TOR: 8 GP- 1 goals- 5 assists- 6 PTS

Mark Stone career vs TOR: 4 GP- 1 goal- 1 assist- 2 PTS

Mike Hoffman career vs TOR: 5 GP- 2 goals- 1 assist- 3 PTS

Andrew Hammond career vs TOR: 0 GP (This Season) 14 GP- Record: 11-0-1, 1.29 GAA- .958 SV%

Keys to Victory

Nov 9, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) makes a save on shot from Ottawa Senators center Mika Zibanejad (93) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs will start Reimer in net where he has a lot of success. In 10 in Ottawa Reimer is 8-2 with a 1.60 GAA and a .957 SV%. Hopefully that magic spreads onto the Leafs and they give him some support unlike in his last start against the Calgary Flames.

Jan 21, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) skates with the puck as Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) chases in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Gardiner got his first goal in 44 games which troubling because the Leafs made a significant commitment to him long term. If the Leafs want to see any improvement now and in the future Gardiner has to regain his offensive touch while improving his play defensively.

The Senators have relied upon the Hamburglar a lot but his streak of allowing two goals or less was snapped against the Bruins which proves that he is human. The Leafs need to continually put pressure on the Senator’s defence and hope that the Hamburglar does not have another stellar performance.

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