Who: Pittsburgh Penguins (1-1-0, 2 points) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (1-1-0, 2 points)
When: 7 p.m. ET
How to Watch: Sportsnet Pittsburgh, CBC, NHL Network
Pens’ Path Ahead: The Penguins will remain in Canada until Monday, when they take on the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Following that, they’ll return to PPG Paints Arena for a Wednesday game against the Buffalo Sabres, followed by a Friday matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Opponent Track: The Maple Leafs began their season with a similar mixed bag on a two-game road trip. Toronto opened with a 1-0 shutout loss to the Canadiens, but bounced back the next day with a 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils.
Season Series: The Penguins kicked off the 2023-24 season series with a 3-2 victory at home, courtesy of Erik Karlsson’s last-minute goal. However, they later fell to the Leafs twice at Scotiabank Arena, suffering a 7-0 shutout in December and a 3-2 overtime defeat in April.
Getting to Know the Maple Leafs
Projected Lines:
FORWARDS
Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Mitch Marner
Max Domi – John Tavares – William Nylander
Max Pacioretty – Pontus Holmberg – Nicholas Robertson
Steven Lorentz – David Kampf – Bobby McMann
DEFENSEMEN
Morgan Rielly / Chris Tanev
Oliver Ekman-Larsson / Jake McCabe
Simon Benoit / Conor Timmins
Goalies: Anthony Stolarz, Dennis Hildeby
Possible Scratches: Joseph Woll (lower-body tightness)
IR: Connor Dewar (shoulder surgery)
- The Leafs’ top line has struggled to find the net in their first two games as the Marner-Matthews duo works to achieve their first points of the season. It will be interesting to see how long Head Coach Craig Berube maintains the current lineup before making any changes.
- Starting goaltender Woll was ruled out before the season opener on Wednesday against the Canadiens, leading to the emergency recall of Hildeby. Similar to Blomqvist with the Penguins, the third-stringer secured the Leafs’ first win of the season in his NHL debut on Thursday, making 21 saves against Jack Hughes and the Devils.
- Woll was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, ruling him out for Saturday’s game. The Penguins are expected to face Stolarz, who is seeking his first win of the season. The Penguins did not compete against the veteran backup last season, during which he posted a .925 save percentage while backing up Sergei Bobrovsky on the eventual Cup-winning Florida Panthers.
Player stats
(via hockeydb)
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Three prominent stars from the Maple Leafs have yet to tally a single point. In fact, the total of zero combined points from Toronto’s trio over two games marks a historic moment for the franchise:
This is the first time ever that Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander have all been unable to score in the first two games of the season.
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) October 11, 2024
It’s hard to imagine that Auston Matthews, who has six shots but hasn’t scored in two games, won’t find the back of the net during his team’s home opener.
- Chris Tanev, who signed a six-year contract with the Leafs this offseason, has already demonstrated that he is an improvement to Toronto’s defense. His breakout passes that create scoring opportunities could present a significant challenge in his likely matchup against the Penguins’ top pairing.
- Tanev’s addition has also strengthened the Leafs’ penalty kill, which was a significant weakness last season. The unit has successfully defended against eight out of ten opposing power plays in the first two games. However, on the flip side, Toronto has not yet scored a power play goal this season.
Now, let’s discuss the Penguins
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Projected Lines
FORWARDS
Anthony Beauvillier – Sidney Crosby – Rickard Rakell
Michael Bunting – Evgeni Malkin – Drew O’Connor
Rutger McGroarty – Lars Eller – Jesse Puljujarvi
Kevin Hayes – Cody Glass - Noel Acciari
DEFENSEMEN
Matt Grzelcyk / Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson / Erik Karlsson
Ryan Graves / Jack St. Ivany
Goalies: Joel Blomqvist or Tristan Jarry
Potential Scratches: Ryan Shea, Valtteri Puustinen
IR: Matt Nieto (knee surgery), Bryan Rust, Alex Nedeljkovic, Blake Lizotte, Vasily Ponomarev
- The Penguins had a day off on Friday. We expect the team to use similar lines to those that triumphed on Thursday unless Bryan Rust returns, which could lead to a winger being sidelined—most likely McGroarty, who played just over 10 minutes in Thursday’s victory. Watch for an update on Rust this morning; he traveled with the team on Thursday’s trip to Detroit, as reported here.
- It appears Jarry is likely to start tonight, considering Nedeljkovic remains week-to-week. However, it will be intriguing to see if Sullivan’s quick hook involves Blomqvist, especially given his NHL debut.
- Thursday’s win over the Red Wings, who are on the playoff bubble, didn’t fully erase concerns stemming from the Penguins’ collapse against the Cup-contending Rangers. The Penguins are gearing up for their first win of the season against a solid playoff contender tonight.
Milestone Watch
- After achieving 800 career assists on Thursday, Evgeni Malkin is just two goals shy of reaching 500 and two points away from 1,300. (According to Pens PR, if he achieves this, he will join Crosby as the only two active NHL players with 500 goals, 800 assists, and 1,300 points.)
- Sidney Crosby stands two points away from 1,600 career points. (As reported by Pens PR, the Penguins’ captain is set to play in his 1,275th game and is on pace to surpass Steve Yzerman as the fifth-fastest NHL player to hit this milestone.)
Game Preview: Penguins Look to Bounce Back Against Maple Leafs in Intriguing Showdown
Overview of the Matchup
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in what promises to be an exhilarating matchup. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, making this game pivotal as they look to secure vital points in the standings. With a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans on both sides, fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with skill, speed, and strategy.
Current Team Form
Pittsburgh Penguins
- Last Game: The Penguins faced a tough loss against the New Jersey Devils, where they struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
- Season Record: 12 Wins, 8 Losses, 2 Overtime Losses
- Key Players: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jake Guentzel
- Injury Report: Brian Dumoulin is listed as day-to-day, which could impact the Penguins’ defensive lineup.
Toronto Maple Leafs
- Last Game: The Maple Leafs secured a decisive victory against the Montreal Canadiens, showcasing their offensive prowess.
- Season Record: 14 Wins, 5 Losses, 3 Overtime Losses
- Key Players: Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander
- Injury Report: No significant injuries reported, giving the Maple Leafs a full-strength roster.
Head-to-Head History
Historically, the Penguins and Maple Leafs have had a competitive rivalry, with both teams showcasing impressive performances in previous matchups. Here’s a brief overview of their last five encounters:
| Date | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 25, 2023 | Pittsburgh | 5 – 2 |
| Dec 15, 2022 | Toronto | 4 – 1 |
| Mar 12, 2022 | Toronto | 3 – 2 |
| Nov 18, 2021 | Pittsburgh | 2 – 0 |
| Apr 16, 2021 | Pittsburgh | 7 – 1 |
Key Player Matchups
Sidney Crosby vs. Auston Matthews
This matchup features two of the most talented centers in the league. Sidney Crosby, known for his playmaking ability and leadership, will be pivotal for the Penguins. On the other hand, Auston Matthews, with his elite goal-scoring capabilities, will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses by Pittsburgh.
Defensive Strategies
- Pittsburgh: The Penguins will need to tighten their defense and prevent odd-man rushes, especially with the speed of the Maple Leafs.
- Toronto: The Maple Leafs must focus on physicality and body-checking to disrupt the Penguins’ offensive flow and create turnovers.
Game Influencers
Several factors could influence the outcome of this game:
- Special Teams: Both teams have shown strength on the power play, making special teams play crucial.
- Goaltending: The performance of the goaltenders will be vital; Marc-André Fleury for the Penguins and Ilya Samsonov for the Maple Leafs will need to be at their best.
- Home Ice Advantage: Playing at home can boost the Penguins’ performance, as their fans are known for creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Benefits of Watching the Game
Fans tuning in can expect to gain insights into:
- Player Dynamics: Observing how players interact on the ice can provide a deeper understanding of team chemistry.
- Game Tactics: Analyzing coaching strategies and adjustments made during the game can enhance one’s appreciation of hockey.
- Skill Development: Watching top-tier players can inspire young athletes and fans to improve their own skills.
Practical Tips for Fans
Here are some practical tips for fans attending the game or watching from home:
- Arrive early to soak in the pre-game atmosphere and avoid last-minute rushes.
- Wear team colors to show your support and connect with other fans.
- Stay hydrated and eat well before the game to maintain energy levels.
- Engage on social media by using game-specific hashtags to connect with fellow fans.
First-Hand Experience
Many fans who have attended previous Penguins vs. Maple Leafs games highlight the electric atmosphere. The energy in the arena is palpable as fans cheer for every shot and goal. Additionally, the banter between fans of both teams adds to the experience, making it a memorable event. From the thrill of watching a game-winning goal to the camaraderie among fans, these matchups are about more than just hockey; they’re about community.
Conclusion
As the Penguins prepare to face the Maple Leafs, all eyes will be on the ice for what promises to be an exciting battle. With key players ready to make an impact and both teams eager to secure a win, fans can expect a high-paced and competitive game.
