Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs ready to face each other – NHL Preview
Both Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs are ranked far below the comfort zone in National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference, but the latter still has got very blurred chance of making it to the playoffs.
That said, Leafs’ entry into the postseason is subjected to winning more games and if they fail to do so, they might once again not succeed in qualifying for the playoffs.
Canadiens, on the other hand, are known for their unpredictability and the ability to stage upsets.
Both these teams are going to face each other on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Let’s have a look at both these teams.
Leafs
Leafs are ranked at 12th spot in the Eastern Conference with 65 points after playing 64 games and are five points behind the eighth ranked Winnipeg Jets.
By the looks of the things, the five-point margin is not impossible to overcome, but keeping Leafs’ recent record in mind, one might face all sorts of hesitation in predicting them winner against Canadiens.
Leafs have lost 10 out of their last 11 games and are presently on a six-game losing streak with the recent defeats coming against Vancouver Canucks (6-2), New Jersey Devils (4-3 in overtime), San Jose Sharks (2-1), Washington Capitals (4-2), Florida Panthers
(5-3) and Chicago Blackhawks (5-4).
Leafs’ defenseman, Luke Schenn, said after the recent defeat:
"We've been talking about how bad our starts have been, and we got the start we wanted, and then let them back into it. A couple goals there that we shouldn't give up, not blaming the goalie, just everyone in general. When you get a lead you've got to clamp
down."
Canadiens
They too are slumping and are placed at bottom of the Eastern Conference with 60 points after 65 games.
Out of the last nine games, Canadiens have lost seven. They recently snapped their five-game losing streak by defeating Minnesota Wild.
Canadiens were leading, 3-1, after the second period. They increased the lead in the final period, but Wild rallied to score three goals and levelled the score.
After the goalless overtime, the game was forced to shootout where Canadiens eventually managed to win.
Canadiens’ coach, Randy Cunneyworth, said after the victory:
"That was a strange one. It wasn't textbook but those things happen. I'm just glad for the W."
Prediction
If Leafs do not overcome their flaws, it is impossible for them to get a victory.
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