provides five things to watch for when the Pens (16-11-3) and Leafs (1810-1) hook up Saturday in Pittsburgh:
1 Bounce back
The Leafs have been relying a bit too much on goalie Frederik Andersen in recent games, and coach Mike Babcock would like to see that change. “Calgary outplayed us (on Wednesday night), as bad as we have been outplayed all year,” Babcock said. “We’re going to have to be way better against Pittsburgh.”
2 Focus on Matthews
As much as the Leafs will have to be concerned with a number of Penguins weapons, Sidney Crosby has full respect for Auston Matthews, who has two points in three career games against Pittsburgh. “His demeanour is probably a strength when you are playing in a market like Toronto,” Crosby said. “He is handling it great.”
3 No power outage
The Penguins’ power-play success rate dips to 23.3 per cent at home from 27 per cent overall, but the Leafs don’t want to give Pittsburgh a number of chances to get it right. Phil Kessel was second in the NHL with 18 powerplay points (one behind leader Steven Stamkos of Tampa Bay), while Crosby was tied for third with 16 heading into Friday’s games.
4 Attention to detail
Seems obvious, but it’s paramount for the Leafs against a Penguins team that, as Matthews said, likes to play a bit of “run and gun.” Pittsburgh is averaging 35.2 shots on goal a game and the Leafs give up an average of 33.96 shots against. Could be a busy night in the defensive zone for Toronto.
5 Speed, baby, speed
The Penguins have used speed and quickness to win consecutive Stanley Cups, and the Leafs aren’t exactly slow. Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan knows his players will be on their toes. “Toronto has a young team, they can skate, they move the puck well,” Sullivan said. “You have to recognize threats quickly.”