Leafs host high-flying Pens; with Matthews doubtful
TORONTO — Morgan Rielly enjoys seeing Pittsburgh Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin spin their magic — when the Maple Leafs defenceman isn’t on the ice trying to contain them.
“Watching those guys when they’re playing really well is great. The way they play the game, move the puck and create offensive opportunities ... it’s about as good as it gets.,” Reilly says. “Playing against them is tough, but it’s a good test for our team looking to bounce back.”
And bounce back is exactly what Toronto will be trying to do when the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pens visit Air Canada Centre on Saturday.
The Leafs limped home off a disappointing four-game road trip — a slide preceded by wins in nine of their previous 10 — that culminated with Monday’s 5-3 loss in Buffalo to round out a 0-2-2 stretch where they surrendered a combined 16 goals against.
But with four days to get ready for a Pittsburgh attack that has averaged an NHL-high four goals a game in 2018, the Leafs won’t have any excuses when it comes to rest or preparation.
One big hole that remains is down the middle, where it looks like the Leafs will once again be without centre Auston Matthews. Sporting a red non-contact jersey, the 20-year-old skated on his own prior to Friday’s practice, before briefly joining the team, but left the ice about 10 minutes later. Matthews injured his shoulder after getting sandwiched by two Islanders Feb. 22.
“He’s progressing,” Leafs head coach Mike Babcock said. “What does that mean? I don’t know.”
Toronto is third in the Atlantic Division — it’s difficult to see the Leafs moving up or down the standings at this point with 14 games left on the schedule — while Pittsburgh appears to be hitting its stride at the right time after a somewhat bumpy start.
The Pens have the third-best record since Jan. 1 at 20-7-1 and are in a battle for top spot in the Metropolitan Division.
“They have a team that’s built for this year,” says Babcock.
Notes: After the Penguins, the Leafs have another three-day break before hosting Dallas on Wednesday to start a stretch of three games in four nights . ... Saturday marks the home debut of Toronto C Tomas Plekanec. The 35-year-old was acquired from Montreal Feb. 25 in a fiveplayer swap and the Leafs on the road. “You always get to know guys more on the road than at home,” he said. “The schedule we have right now is actually very favourable for myself . ... I’m trying to settle in, trying to be familiar with all the stuff around and think just about hockey only.”