Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Keys to Beating the Chicago Blackhawks

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare to take on the Chicago Blackhawks, we look at three factors which could decide the outcome against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t exactly enjoyed much luck on their current road trip. However, after losing their first three games, they managed to secure a 5-2 win in Vancouver on Saturday.

Now, the Leafs face just one more challenge, before returning home for four consecutive games at the Air Canada Centre. Unfortunately, it will be no easy task as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks, winners of three of the last six Stanley Cups.

This will be the second of two encounters between the sides this season, with Chicago winning the first game 4-1 at the ACC. We look at three factors which will help determine if Toronto can gain some measure of revenge.

1) Patrick Kane

You could state with real conviction, that Patrick Kane is the number one reason why the Leafs won’t leave Chicago with a win. The 2007 first overall draft pick is enjoying his best season yet, currently leading the NHL with 78 points, well ahead of his nearest competitor.

Kane always seems to play well against Toronto, as evidenced by 17 points in 10 games. He enjoyed his best game yet against them last month, scoring the first regular season hat-trick of his career, while also adding an assist.

In all likelihood, it will be impossible to completely contain the five-time All-Star. However, Mike Babcock’s men must find some way to at least slow him down.

2) Recent slump in form

Contrived or not, there’s no getting around the fact the Leafs currently prop up the rest of the league. However, somewhat surprisingly, the Blackhawks are also suffering a run of bad form.

Jan 12, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville during the first period against the Nashville Predators at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

While it hasn’t impacted them too much in the overall standings, Chicago are 4-5-2 in their last 10 games. What makes this interesting, is it comes hot on the heels of their franchise-record 12 straight wins.

The recent slump includes going 0-2-1 in their last three games at home, where the Hawks are 21-7-2 on the season. This doesn’t mean the Buds can expect an easy ride, but there probably isn’t a better time to play at the United Center this season.

3) Brendan Leipsic and Jeremy Morin

Brendan Leipsic and Jeremy Morin appear in line to play against the Blackhawks, pending the Leafs current injury situation. Each brings intriguing storylines to the game.

Leipsic will be looking to build on his NHL debut against the Canucks. The 21-year old saw 9:28 of ice time and marked the occasion with his first career goal at the NHL level.

Meanwhile, Morin will be eager to prove himself against the team that traded him not once, but twice. The 24-year old has yet to play for the Leafs, but expect to see a supremely motivated player if and when he gets on the ice in Chicago.

Next: The long-term benefits of the Dion Phaneuf trade

What do you expect from the Leafs in Chicago? Let us know in the comments section below.

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