Potent offences could make for Wild night
Tyson Barrie has become a new player with Sheldon Keefe running the Toronto Maple Leafs bench.
The offensive defenceman has notched 13 points in his last 17 games and is playing with a level of confidence that did not exist under Mike Babcock.
Barrie’s Minnesota counterpart Ryan Suter, 34, continues to be an offensive force from the blue-line.
With 26 points in 40 games, Suter is on pace for 53, which would represent a career high.
Here are 5 Things to Watch for when the Leafs (21-14-5) line up against the Wild (19-16-5) Tuesday in Minnesota:
1 Back to basics
The Leafs had a string of eight consecutive games with a 1-0 lead end Friday in New Jersey and then allowed the first goal Saturday against the New York Rangers. While the Leafs have demonstrated they can get their act together after letting their minds wander, the Wild doesn’t get buried often, either, recording eight wins when trailing 1-0.
2 Be mindful
In recent games, the Leafs have given up several oddman rushes. Teams have been adapting to Toronto’s mode of attack in the offensive zone, either pressuring the high forward or recognizing when defencemen have put themselves in recovery mode. The Wild will exploit that as well if the Leafs don’t make adjustments.
3 Wild improvements
Much has been made of the Leafs’ record since Keefe became coach with Toronto going 12-5-1 for 25 points (tied for third most over that span). Pointswise, Minnesota has been as good over the same period, earning 25 with an 11-8-3 record. Where the Leafs have 69 goals since the change, most in the league, the Wild has 68.
4 Koivu on tap?
Wild captain Mikko
Koivu, who has missed the last 12 games with a lowerbody injury, practised between Zach Parise and Kevin Fiala Monday and will be a game-time decision. If Koivu is back, he should provide a boost to a Wild power play that has produced three goals in its last 34 opportunities.
5 Road considerations
The Leafs have been terrific on the road in the Keefe era, going 8-3-0. The Wild have a 10-3-3 record at home and have been defensively sound, allowing just 44 goals, third fewest in the NHL. Expect the game to be decided in the third: Both clubs are in the top 10 in goals scored in the final period.