There could be something magical about Leafs, Auston With Alex Ovechkin in the building, Matthews becomes the only active NHL player to record two seasons with 60 goals. The Toronto Maple Leafs shooter is expected to play on Thursday. The league-leading 59-goal scorer Matthews warmed up and is officially in the lineup for his team’s third and final game against the playoff-chasing Washington Capitals after missing the morning skate due to illness.
With just one game missed this season—on December 16 because to a viral infection—Matthews is on track to score 68 goals. 2007–08 saw Ovechkin reach his peak at 65. Matthews is battling something “a little different” than the flu virus that has been making the rounds in the Leafs’ locker room this winter, according to coach Sheldon Keefe. “Hopeful that it’s more manageable that he could be available tonight,” Keefe stated that “but see how the extra rest today benefits him.”
Maple Leafs to reclaim the second wild card place
Pressuring authorities to react to the public’s out Keefe’s team is more worried about the pressure within to improve its performance than it is about the Maple Leafs, since Tampa Bay is on a tear and might cut Toronto’s lead to four games in the Atlantic Division on Wednesday. After Tuesday’s blowout loss to New Jersey, the coach unleashed a tirade, denouncing his players for their “immature” performance in the locker room and on the podium in the post-game press conference.
Spencer Carbery, the coach of the Capitals, who was also Keefe’s assistant, stated, “I think Keefer does a good job of walking that line of when it’s maybe behind closed doors sometimes, then you go in the open with it, like happened last game.” It’s a feel thing, and you walk that line. Recognizing when to push certain buttons and motivate your team, leadership group, and finest players is a necessary component of being a head coach.
Carbery has informed the rest of the team that the Leafs would likely seek to bounce back from this embarrassing public display, and he is anticipating a strong showing from Toronto players, especially William Nylander and John Tavares. Trevor Alexeyev-van Riemsdyk Charlie Lindgren, who has made 11 starts in the previous 12 games, will start. Washington takes on Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs with a difficult assignment in hand as they attempt to win four games in a row and reclaim the second Wild Card place.
Coach Keefe to stick with the young third liners
The Capitals’ goal will be to use astute decision-making to stop players like Matthews and the Leafs’ explosive offense. They are, of course, a very offensive club that is capable of taking advantage of opportunities. Therefore, Beck Malenstyn advised us to “just stay committed to those defensive details, closing on them quickly and focusing them to make hurried and rushed plays.” “I think it could be huge to eliminate their chances.”
By accident child line Keefe has decided to stick with a young third line that includes Robertson, youngster Matthew Knies, and mid-season call-up Pontus Holmberg since Marner and Järnkrok are out of the lineup. Three people eager to gain their coach’s trust, and three players achieving career highs in the number of NHL games played. One benefit of not having a center like Matthews or Tavares is that the younger players don’t feel pressured to subordinate to a top player in the offensive zone.
“Yes, absolutely,” Robertson replied. We’ve always played with guys that require the puck on their sticks, and that’s part of the deal. You can ask Kniesy, Homer, or me. It’s evident that they get paid a lot to have the pucks on their sticks, so it’s wonderful to hang out with younger people because you feel more at ease talking to them and maybe even passing the puck to them. But having a slightly distinct appearance with the younger males is good.
