Game #27: Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers Open Thread

The Blueshirts are back in action for an original Six matchup tonight. After a statement win over the Los Angeles Kings two nights ago, the Rangers are set to host the Auston Matthews, Morgan Reilly, and the rest of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto is coming off of an overtime defeat against the Islanders two nights ago. Captain John Tavares, who began his career with the Islanders before famously spurning them in free agency to join his boyhood team, recorded a goal and an assist to reach the 1,000 point mark. The fans at UBS Arena showered their former captain with boos as he celebrated his career milestone, and it was the Islanders who got the last laugh with an overtime victory. As for tonight’s contest, K’Andre Miller will miss the game for what Peter Laviolette coined as “personal reasons”. Matthew Robertson was recalled from AHL Hartford, but isn’t likely to draw into the lineup for his NHL debut quite yet.

Player to Watch: Jacob Trouba

Trouba is usually paired up with Miller on defense, but will be skating with a new defensive partner tonight, likely Braden Schneider. Keep an eye on Trouba as he looks to adjust without his usual puck moving partner by his side.

Enjoy the game!