Stars collide as Crosby takes on Matthews

While there’s debate as to whether Auston Matthews is a better player than Connor McDavid (he isn’t), Matthews gets to concern himself with another fine hockey superstar Thursday, namely Sidney Crosby.

With the Penguins captain going into the game in Toronto in search of his first goal of 2018-19, Crosby figures to be amped up even more than normal, if that’s possible. It’s worth keeping in mind that in 40 games against the Leafs, Crosby has 26 goals (and 31 assists).

Here are five things to watch for in this classic showdown at Scotiabank Arena.

Freddie or Not?

The Maple Leafs had an off day Wednesday, so we won’t know until Thursday morning whether No. 1 goaltender Frederik Andersen will be good to start. But Eamon McAdam, who had been summoned on an emergency basis from Toronto’s ECHL affiliate in St. John’s, N.L., was loaned to the AHL’s Marlies, an indication Andersen is good to go. If not, Garret Sparks, who bounced back from a rough first outing with 33 saves against Los Angeles in a 4-1 victory Monday, will get the call.

The Amazin’ Auston Matthews has at least two points in each game including a fourpoint game Oct. 7 at Chicago. The win against the Kings marked the first time Matthews had not scored a goal, but so what. His 16 points lead the NHL and Matthews is getting it done with 16:06 of ice time at even-strength, 14th among NHL forwards prior to Wednesday. Matthews has one goal and two assists in five career games against Pittsburgh.

Murray on Tap

While the Leafs’ goaltending picture remains a bit unclear, Matt Murray will likely be in the Penguins net making his first appearance since suffering a concussion in practice Oct. 8. Murray could be rusty, and he acknowledged on Wednesday the Leafs are “dynamic” and that “it’s going to be a difficult game for us.” However, he does have a .945 save percentage in four career games against Toronto. Not an easy out for the Leafs.

Line on Malkin

Coach Mike Sullivan has tinkered with his lines as his Penguins starts a four-game trip with a middling 2-1-2 record. One constant is Evgeni Malkin between Carl Hagelin and Phil Kessel, though Sullivan said Wednesday he wants to see more structure from the trio when it does not have the puck. Malkin has been a tricky opponent for Toronto, riding a six-game point streak against the Leafs.

Men in the Middle

The Leafs passed a tough test Saturday when they beat the Capitals, a team that boasts formidable depth at centre. The Penguins pose a similar obstacle with Crosby,