Maple Leafs lineup tonight: Toronto’s projected lineup for game against Washington Capitals | Dec. 28, 2024

Today, the Toronto Maple Leafs will look to pick up their second win in a row after a win over the Red Wings last night kicked off a back-to-back for the franchise. While the team has battled against injuries as of late, it was able to snap a two-game losing streak, pushing its record over the past five games to 3-2.

Following the most recent win, the team is tied with the defending Stanley Cup Champions for the top spot in the Atlantic Division with both teams sitting on 46 points.

If they're able to get a win over a tough Washington Capitals team, the Maple Leafs could very well break the tie with Florida and take sole ownership of the top spot in the Atlantic Division.

When Toronto takes the ice tonight, it will be without both Anthony Stolarz and Calle Jarnkrok, who both remain on IR, as well as first-year captain Auston Matthews, who is dealing with an upper-body injury.

Toronto Maple Leafs projected lines

Forwards:

1. LW Max Pacioretty - C John Tavares - RW Mitch Marner
2. LW Matthew Knies - C Pontus Holmberg - RW William Nylander
3. LW Bobby McMann - C Max Domi - RW Nicholas Robertson
4. LW Steven Lorentz - C David Kampf - RW Connor Dewar

Defense:

1. Morgan Rielly - Philippe Myers
2. Jake McCabe - Chris Tanev
3. Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Simon Benoit

Goalies:

• Matt Murray
• Joseph Woll

Powerplay:

1. Matthew Knies, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, Morgan Rielly, William Nylander
2. Bobby McMann, Max Domi, Max Pacioretty, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, William Nylander

Penalty Kill:

1. David Kampf, Mitch Marner, Jake McCabe, Oliver Ekman-Larsson
2. Connor Dewar, Steven Lorentz, Simon Benoit, Chris Tanev

Looking at the latest injury update for Auston Matthews as well as upcoming games on the Maple Leafs' schedule

The news of Auston Matthews' absence this week has left some fans concerned. After Matthews dealt with an injury earlier in the season, if he winds up missing significant time, the situation could have implications on the team's postseason chances.

While speaking with members of the press on Friday, coach Craig Berube gave a brief update on Matthews, simply saying that the captain is doing better. Despite that, it remains unclear what exactly is bothering the captain, or when the team is expecting him to return to the ice.

Following tonight's game against Washington, the Maple Leafs will be back in action Tuesday when they host the New York Islanders in what will be the first of two games the teams will play next week.

Following Tuesday's showdown in Toronto, the two teams will head to New York for a rematch Thursday, before the Maple Leafs wrap up the week with a home game against Boston.