The Toronto Maple Leafs have one game left on their 2024 NHL regular season schedule and plenty of newsworthy lineup notes. That game goes tonight, from the Amalie Arena against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Even though the Leafs first round 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoff matchup is set, there’s still some uncertainty in the humid Gulf of Mexico air. For brevity, their first-round matchup will be the original-six rival Boston Bruins. Furthermore, the uncertainty is what we shall discuss. Everything from Matthews chase for 70, injury updates, and maybe a note or two on how the Leafs will keep the puck out of their net in the Spring.
The Top of Toronto Maple Leafs Lineup Notes: Will Matthews Hit 70?
Let’s kick it off with the chase for the magical number 70. Auston Matthews has just tonight left on the schedule to reach the 70-goal mark. A standard that has not been achieved since 1992-93 when Alexander Mogilny and Teemu Selanne both did it. Moreover, there is a bit at stake, as never has an American-born player or a Toronto Maple Leaf hit 70 goals. Back in 2021-22, he was also the first Maple Leaf to hit the 60-goal number. Statistically, it is hard to find any flaws in Matthews goal-scoring game right now. He’s taken 357 shots and has a ridiculous 19.3 shooting percentage. Until last night’s game against the Florida Panthers, he had an eight-game goal streak. Realistically, not hitting 70 becomes less probabilistic at this point.
Whos Stats Chase is More Impressive: Connor McDavid’s 100 Assists or Auston Matthew’s 70 Goals?
Importantly on the Toronto Maple Leafs News and Notes on the Lineup is the Injury Front
Let’s shift now to focus on Matthews’ teammates, specifically the injury front. It doesn’t appear to be anything serious, but just enough for some doubt to creep in. Bobby McCann, Max Domi, and Calle Jarnkrok are all listed as injured for tonight’s game and details are scanty. However, that level of detail is expected as we prepare for the playoffs. But the uncertainty, especially when it is with gritty, playoff hockey guys, Leafs nation wants health at 100%. It is possible both Domi and McCann are back for the playoffs. Conversely, the status of Jarnkrok where he is coming back from long-term injury is more unknown.
Via Sheldon Keefe:
•Max Domi won’t play Tuesday and likely out Wednesday
•Bobby McMann out the final two games
•Joseph Woll starts Tuesday/TBD Wednesday
• Calle Järnkrok is “not ready to play” and uncertain for Game 1— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) April 15, 2024
The Leafs can score, no one is questioning that, but can they play defence? We don’t mean defence, we mean lockdown, one-goal lead, third period, game-six against the Boston Bruins. Since the trade deadline, they seem to have just enough time to figure some key nuisances out. Joel Edmundson has a ton of playoff experience. Someone like Ilya Lyubushkin is there for toughness and depth. Again, there are some questions in net, but they do have options.
Let’s Talk Goaltending
Look at the Vegas Golden Knights last year, four goalies played 10-plus regular season games for them. Adin Hill emerged as their starter, having only played 27 regular season contests for the club. Right now, the Leafs could ride either of the three for game one, Martin Jones, Ilya Samsonov, or Joseph Woll. They need wins, it doesn’t have to be pretty. Samsonov has the winning percentage edge, and Jones leads in save percentage. However, Woll is being nurtured as the future. Let’s not forget, the 34-year-old Jones has 32 career post-season victories to his name. Jones get the call tonight. In any sense, if the youth isn’t the answer, maybe the veteran will be just what the doctor ordered. Finally, just like the Leafs defensively, it is the playoffs, and it doesn’t have to be pretty.
Main photo: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
