The Toronto Maple Leafs host the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. EST. Toronto is on a three-game losing streak as the Maple Leafs have been changing their lineup.
Ahead of the Maple Leafs' home game against New Jersey, here's what their projected lineup looks like.
Maple Leafs projected lines
Forwards
- Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Mitch Marner
- Max Pacioretty - John Tavares - William Nylander
- Bobby McMann - Max Domi - Nick Robertson
- Connor Dewar- David Kampf - Steven Lorentz
Toronto tried Lorentz on the top line but it didn't work, as the Maple Leafs will likely go back to Knies with Matthews and Marner. Pacioretty should also draw back in the lineup while Ryan Reaves should be scratched.
“I think our execution can be better," Matthews said, via NHL.com. "We’re going through adversity right now and as much as you prefer not to go through that, it’s necessary sometimes and these are the kinds of moments where we have to come together even more and stick with each other and work our way out of it.”
Defenseman
- Morgan Reilly - Philippe Myers
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Chris Tanev
- Simon Benoit - Conor Timmins
Toronto is still without Jake McCabe which is a big issue for the Maple Leafs. McCabe is a key member of Toronto's blue line, and without him, the Maple Leafs have struggled defensively.
Goalies
- Joseph Woll
- Dennis Hildeby
Toronto will start Joseph Woll who's 14-8 with a 2.65 GAA and a .908 SV%. In his career against New Jersey, he's 1-1 with a 3.54 GAA and a .841 SV%.
Maple Leafs vs Devils: Preview
Toronto is in a slump and a big reason why is because the offense has struggled. William Nylander is struggling while Matthews and Marner are also not doing much.
Craig Berube is trying everything, but the Maple Leafs are just not playing well. New Jersey should be able to go into Toronto and get a big win on the road.
The Maple Leafs' defense will continue to be an issue, while Jacob Markstrom will be able to shut the door and help New Jersey get a big win.
Prediction: New Jersey 4, Toronto 2.