5 THINGS TO WATCH
There could be some surprises in store when the Coyotes take on the Leafs at the ACC on Monday, writes Lance Hornby.
Monday’s game between the suddenly hot Arizona Coyotes and the still sizzling Toronto Maple Leafs should prove interesting.
Toronto goaltender Frederik Andersen has two straight shutouts (72 saves in all) including a 6-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday and backstopped the Leafs to an overtime victory at home against Boston before the double whammy.
The veteran netminder has not lost in regulation to the Coyotes in 10 decisions (10-0-0-4) as a Leaf and a member of the Anaheim Ducks.
The Leafs (14-7) are riding a six-game winning streak as they welcome Arizona into the Air Canada Centre. Toronto sits second in the Atlantic Division.
Arizona comes into the game last in the NHL with a 4-15-3 record.
Here are 5 Things to watch for as the Leafs and Coyotes battle on Monday night:
1. Antti Freeze
From Antti Niemi at the end of the romp in Montreal to Antti Raanta starting on Monday, this goalie will be a lot harder for the Leafs. The Coyotes, despite sitting in last place in the NHL, have wins in the Canadian portion of their road trip so far and proven no opposition lead is safe.
2. Spin Cycle
Where other coaches change lines at their peril, there is enough scoring on the Leafs that coach Mike Babcock can plug any player on any unit with a reasonable expectation that group will have scoring chances. The mid-game machinations in Montreal proved it.
3. Old Home Week
Knowing a lot of people will be watching back in his hometown of Scottsdale, Auston Matthews will be keen to please. He fired a couple of goals on Saturday to finish off the Habs in his first appearance after resting four games with a suspected back injury.
4. Evening Out
At 5-on-5 draws, Toronto and Arizona are first and third in the league, the Leafs spreading around the faceoff duties.
5. Canadian Baking
The Coyotes have gained points in seven straight games here (6-01) and have a few personnel returning to Toronto roots, such as Max Domi, ex-Leaf Luke Schenn and coach Rick Tocchet.