Anaheim Ducks (36-25-3, 75 Pts) at Toronto Maple Leafs (27-27-11, 65 Pts)<\/p>\n
Venue: Scotiabank Arena
Date: Thursday, March 12
Time: 7:00 pm EST
TV: TSN4\/ESPN+
Radio:
Anaheim \u2013 Ducks Radio Network
Toronto \u2013 SN 590<\/p>\n
Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster<\/a><\/p>\n Anaheim Ducks News & Notes:<\/p>\n The Anaheim Ducks arrive in Toronto riding momentum, which has led them to the top of the Pacific Division with an impressive 36-25-3 record and 75 points. The Ducks have been one of the NHL\u2019s great surprises this season, pushing from the bottom of the standings to a likely playoff birth and possibly even division title. Anaheim boasts a young, potent offense that ranks among the league\u2019s best. This is the first meeting between these teams this season, and Anaheim will be looking to take advantage of a struggling Maple Leafs squad that is winless in eight consecutive games.<\/p>\n Toronto Maple Leafs News & Notes:<\/p>\n The Toronto Maple Leafs are in complete freefall, and a lottery pick is looking more possible than ever before. Boston owns the Toronto first-round pick, unless it\u2019s a top-five selection, which has led to many Leafs fans hoping the team loses enough games to keep their pick, but handing Boston the 6th overall pick is looking quite possible at this point. With nothing left to play for this season, the Leafs are now evaluating young prospects like Benoit-Olivier Groulx, Jacob Quillan, and Easton Cowan to determine who might be part of the mix next season. The defensive struggles have been catastrophic, and the offense has struggled at times, too, but ultimately, this team has been the most disconnected Leafs team in a decade. <\/p>\n Anaheim Ducks Projected Lines<\/p>\n Kreider-Carlsson-Gauthier Lacombe-Trouba Dostal Buy Anaheim Hockey Merchandise Below! Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lines<\/p>\n Cowan-Matthews-Nylander Rielly-Carlo Woll Buy Toronto Hockey Merchandise Below! Players To Watch:<\/p>\n Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n Cutter Gauthier<\/a> has emerged as one of the NHL\u2019s most exciting young talents this season, leading the Ducks with an impressive 32 goals and 57 points through 63 games. The 21-year-old forward has established himself as an offensive talent in his sophomore campaign. Against a Toronto defense that ranks 31st in goals against, Gauthier will have ample opportunity to improve upon his stats and continue his breakout season. With the Ducks fighting to maintain their position atop the Pacific Division, Gauthier\u2019s ability to take over games offensively will be crucial if Anaheim hopes to earn two valuable points against a struggling Maple Leafs team.<\/p>\n Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n Benoit-Olivier Groulx<\/a> finds himself in a golden opportunity to revive his NHL career after being recalled from the Toronto Marlies on March 10th. The 26-year-old center has been effective in the AHL this season, leading the Marlies with 27 goals and 50 points in 54 games. Originally a second-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2018, Groulx will face his former organization in his second game with Toronto. Head coach Craig Berube was impressed with Groulx\u2019s debut against Montreal on Tuesday and will get another shot tonight. With Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nicolas Roy all traded at the deadline, Groulx has a legitimate opportunity to secure regular ice time down the stretch and prove he belongs in the NHL. His speed, offensive instincts, and competitive drive make him an intriguing prospect to watch, and tonight\u2019s game against his former team provides extra motivation as he looks to show the Ducks what they missed out on. Pezzetta also looks poised to make his season debut in the NHL with the Leafs after signing a two-year deal with his childhood team this past offseason. Look for him to bring energy to the Leafs lineup tonight. <\/p>\n Injury Report:<\/p>\n Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n G Petr Mrazek<\/a> \u2013 Out Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n
McTavish-Granlund-Sennecke
Killorn-Poehling-Viel
Harkins-Washe-Johnston<\/p>\n
Zellweger-Gudas
Mintyukov-Moore<\/p>\n
Husso<\/p>\n
Anaheim Hockey \u2013 Inside The Rink<\/a><\/p>\n
Knies-Tavares-Domi
Maccelli-Groulx-Robertson
Pezzetta-Quillan-Jarnkrok<\/p>\n
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Toronto Hockey \u2013 Inside The Rink<\/a><\/p>\n
F Troy Terry<\/a> \u2013 Day-to-Day
D John Carlson<\/a> \u2013 Day-to-Day<\/p>\n