Toronto Maple Leafs desperate to end the skid as they host Florida Panthers – NHL Preview
Toronto Maple Leafs are not far away from being among the top eight teams of National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference, but with every game they play their chances grow slimmer.
Leafs are equally pathetic and condemnable on home ice as well as on road.
In such a situation, a visit by Florida Panthers might not bring Leafs the much needed respite.
That said, a possibility of comeback cannot be ignored, but Leafs have to showcase drastic improvement in their game-play to beat the Panthers.
Both the teams are going to face each other on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Here is a look at both the teams.
Leafs
Leafs started the month well by winning their first three games, but they have failed to do anything commendable after that.
Out of the last nine games, Leafs have only won one and are currently on a four-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) and Washington Capitals (4-2).
During the last nine games, Leafs have only scored 17 goals while conceding 35.
After the last defeat, defenseman, John-Michael Liles, said:
"It's not Maple Leaf hockey. We have to take it upon ourselves in this room. We've got the team to do it here, we've done it for a long time this season. It's a matter of getting back to how we're successful."
Leafs are ranked at 10th spot in the Eastern Conference with 65 points after 62 games and are three points short of eighth ranked Winnipeg Jets.
Panthers
Panthers’ recent skid of four games was their longest this month. They successfully managed to snap the losing streak last weekend and are presently on a two-game winning run.
The recent victories came against Carolina Hurricanes (3-2 after shootout) and Montreal Canadiens (4-2).
Panthers are ranked at third spot in the Eastern Conference with 70 points after 61 games.
Panthers’ goaltender, Scott Clemmensen, said after the comeback win against Montreal:
"We proved last night that we can come back and win it. It is fresh in our minds and we were able to put it together again tonight. It was a big two points."
By the looks of the things, Panthers certainly carry an edge over the slumping Leafs, but they have to ensure their offence stays in rhythm or a possibility of upset cannot be ignored.
Predictions
Panthers will win.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
If Leafs win, the goal difference will be less than two.
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