There has been plenty to like about the Maple Leafs’ game in recent weeks.
They’re 5-0-2 in their past seven and have climbed to within two points of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
With five of their next six games on the road, starting on Thursday night in Philadelphia against the Flyers, it’s imperative that the Leafs start to round into proper form in unfriendly conditions.
Toronto’s five road wins and 12 road points (off a record of 5-10-2) are the fewest in the National Hockey League.
One of those wins was a 5-2 triumph in Philly on Nov. 1.
Leafs captain Auston Matthews will look to continue his hot play of late. Matthews has seven goals and four assists in his past five games.
Scott Laughton’s return
When the Leafs won at Xfinity Mobile Arena two months ago, Laughton was on the cusp of returning from a foot injury that he suffered in the pre-season. He was in Philly for that game, but did not play.
On Thursday, he will play in the building for the first time as a member of the opposition after the Leafs acquired him from the Flyers last March.
“This feels more like it,” Laughton told media in Philadelphia on Thursday. “This one was circled on the calendar after I was hurt for the other one.
“I have some people coming to the game from some of the charities I worked with, and have some family here in town and some relationships that I built throughout the years here, those people are coming down. It will be nice to see the crowd again and be a part of it.
“We’re in a tight race, it’s a really important game for both teams. We need to play well.”
Who will be the opposing goaltenders?
Dennis Hildeby gets the call for the Leafs. It will be his first action since Jan. 1, when he came on in relief of Joseph Woll against Winnipeg and helped lead the Leafs to a 6-5 win.
Dan Vladar, a crisp 5-1-0 in his past six starts, will start in goal for the Flyers. Vladar has not beaten the Leafs during his NHL career, going 0-2-3 in six games with an .876 save percentage.
What’s the status of William Nylander?
The Leafs’ leading scorer will miss his sixth game in a row with a lower-body injury, but his time on the sideline could be coming to an end.
Leafs coach Craig Berube said on Thursday morning that Nylander is “doing good” and is possible to play in the Leafs’ next game, in Toronto on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks.
Nylander has not played since he was hurt on Dec. 27 against the Ottawa Senators.
The projected Leafs lineup
FORWARD LINES
Bobby McMann-Auston Matthews-Max Domi
Matias Maccelli-John Tavares-Matthew Knies
Easton Cowan-Nicolas Roy-Nick Robertson
Steven Lorentz-Scott Laughton-Calle Jarnkrok
DEFENCE
Morgan Rielly-Brandon Carlo
Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Troy Stecher
Simon Benoit-Philippe Myers
GOAL
Dennis Hildeby
Joseph Woll
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