Jets’ Scheifele line a big test for Leafs
Lately, it’s been a pick-your-poison affair when matching up against Mark Scheifele’s line.
You want to hone in on the Winnipeg Jets star?
OK, they’ll get the puck to Kyle Connor, who scores at will these days.
Want to tie up Connor? Scheifele will drop four points on you like he did against Colorado on Tuesday.
And if you manage to contain both, then you have to contend with Patrik Laine and his wicked shot.
Winnipeg’s top unit should see a lot of Morgan Rielly and Tyson Barrie, Toronto’s top blue-line pair. And Scheifele’s line will have to make sure they’re watching those two like hawks as both offensive defencemen can rack up the points.
Here are five things to watch for when the Leafs (22-14-5) line up against the Jets (22-15-3) in Winnipeg on Thursday:
1. More Vezinabuyck
There were several occasions on Tuesday where Connor Hellebuyck had to make a game-defining save. By the end of the night, he had stopped 39 shots and if not for his Vezina-calibre start, the Jets could have easily been on the other side of their 7-4 win. Hellebuyck came into the game with a single win in his past five starts. He needed that performance just as much as the team did.
2. Nothing special
Winnipeg’s arduous penalty kill probably can’t get much worse, but it’s the fact it isn’t getting any better that’s the problem. During their past eight games, they’re 11 for 22 — 50 per cent efficiency. Toronto’s fifth-ranked power play can’t wait for their turn.
3. Special recipe
Jets coach Paul Maurice admitted he didn’t know Connor’s ceiling this year.
After a bit of a slow start following his absence from training camp, Connor has turned on the afterburners and now leads the Jets with 20 goals, including six in his past four games. He’s on pace for 40 this season.
4. Roslovic sighting
Jack Roslovic started out very well on Blake Wheeler’s right flank, but hasn’t been nearly as noticeable as of late. That changed in Tuesday’s win, with Roslovic potting a trio of helpers in the game.
5. Road warriors
With a 4-1 win against Minnesota on New Year’s Eve, the Leafs are 9-3 in their last 12 road games. They can begin salivating knowing the Jets are 10-8-2 at home and come into this game having lost four straight in Winnipeg.