Toronto Maple Leafs Face Final Road Game Against Columbus Blue Jackets
Toronto Maple Leafs Face Final Road Game Against Columbus Blue Jackets
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 Leafs game and what you should know for the game that night.
Jan 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing
Nick Foligno(71) goes to the net with the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman
Morgan Rielly(44) defends at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Blue Jackets 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Maple Leafs (30-43-7) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (39-35-5), 7:30 p.m., Rogers Sportsnet
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Leafs Injury Report
Stephane Robidas is out with a shoulder injury.
Trevor Smith is doubtful with an upper-body injury.
Nathan Horton is out with a back injury.
Roman Polak is out with a hernia injury.
Projected Line Combinations (Leafs)
Blue Jackets Injury Report
Rene Bourque is questionable with an upper-body injury.
David Clarkson is doubtful with a torn oblique muscle.
Ryan Murray is questionable with an ankle injury.
Jack Skille is out with a shoulder injury.
Game Preview
Oct 31, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing
Phil Kessel(81) controls the puck against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman
Jack Johnson(7) during the third period at Nationwide Arena. The Leafs won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
As the season comes to an end, the Leafs will travel to Columbus for their final road game of the campaign. Toronto have only managed to win one game on the road in 2015, which partially explains the major nosedive in the standings. The Blue Jackets have won nine of their last 10 games, which could make people wonder what might have happened if Sergei Bobrovsky did not miss significant time this season with various injuries. The events that led to the Leafs demise have been analysed and will continue to be so like a dead body in a morgue, except the body will not be as cold and the blood of Leafs fans will be hot and fuming.
Apr 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward
Joffrey Lupul(19) reacts after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Over the weekend, the Leafs had two marvelous goaltending performances, but only managed one win at home – go figure. Against the Boston Bruins, James Reimer stopped 49 of 50 shots in a losing effort, while Jonathan Bernier stopped 43 of 45 shots to deliver a big blow to the Ottawa Senators playoff hopes. On a good note, Joffrey Lupul found the back of the net for the first time since December, which must be a major relief to him after a tough season. JVR and Peter Holland also played a key role in the victory over Ottawam which is good to see as these two players will be a part of the Leafs future and need to be able to step up their game in the process.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Oct 25, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Phil Kessel (81) handles the puck during the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Phil Kessel career vs CBJ: 10 GP- 5 goals- 5 assists- 10 PTS
James van Riemsdyk career vs CBJ: 8 GP- 3 goal- 5 assists- 8 PTS
Joffrey Lupul career vs CBJ: 20 GP- 6 goals- 8 assists- 14 PTS
James Reimer career vs CBJ: 2 GP- Record: 0-2, 4.37 GAA- .852 SV%
Columbus Blue Jackets
Mar 3, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets forward
Ryan Johansen(19) looks to pass as Toronto Maple Leafs forward
Tyler Bozak(42) gets into position during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Johansen career vs TOR: 6 GP- 6 goals- 2 assists- 8 PTS
Nick Foligno career vs TOR: 32 GP- 4 goals- 7 assists- 11 PTS
Scott Hartnell career vs TOR: 31 GP- 7 goals- 5 assists- 12 PTS
Sergei Bobrovsky career vs TOR: 8 GP- Record: 6-2, 2.01 GAA- .922 SV%
Curtis McElhinney career vs TOR: 2 GP- Record: 0-2, 3.94 GAA- .853 SV%
Keys to Victory
Jan 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman
Kevin Connauton(4) skates around the net with the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs center
Nazem Kadri(43) pursues him at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Blue Jackets 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Johansen has been dynamite against the Leafs, so he should be a player they want to try and contain. However, the Blue Jackets have been relying on players in their bottom six to push them the last few weeks.
What is important for Reimer is that he tries to give the Leafs another solid performance whether they win or lose. The hope for him is that he may have given Leafs management something to consider this summer.
Nov 25, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward
James van Riemsdyk(21) skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Air Canada Centre. Columbus defeated Toronto 6-0. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
JVR and Lupul scored in a hard-fought win against the Senators. Ending the season with some hope for next season is nice to see, and a player like JVR is expected to be a part of this team moving forward. So it will be important to see him try to put together a couple of strong performances heading into this offseason.