HNIC Preview: Leafs vs Canadiens [Jan 21 2012]

Leafs (23-18-5, 9th in East) vs. Habs (17-21-9, 12th in East)


GAME TIME: 7:00pm EST 
TV BROADCAST: CBC
RADIO BROADCAST: AM640

Courtesy Google Images

It doesn't get any better than this folks, a Saturday night at the ACC, Hockey Night in Canada classic, between arguably the biggest rivalry in the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Montreal Canadiens. The Leafs are coming into the game tonight on a high note after a great performance Thursday night, thumping the Wild 4-1 at the ACC. The Habs, on the other hand, are coming into the game in a slump, losing five of their last six games. No matter what the standings say, a game between these two clubs are always filled with excitement, and a playoff atmosphere. The roar of the ACC after a Leafs goal, the excitement in the players' goal celebration, and even the poor attempt of an "ole'ole'ole" chant from the Habs fans will always send chills down my spine, because this shows that hockey isn't just a game; its a passion. 


With a win tonight (and a Florida loss), the blue-and-white will leap frog their way into a playoff spot. Jonas Gustavsson is expected to make his second consecutive start tonight, as Reimer will watch from the bench in a backup role. No line changes are expected to be made, as Lupul notched 3 assists against the Wild from the third line, and was named the "assistant captain" on Team Chara at the 2012 All-Star game. Coach Wilson seems to like idea of spreading out the talent amongst the top 3 lines, rather than having 2 scoring lines and 2 checking lines. 


Projected Lines: 


Lombardi-Bozak-Kessel
MacArthur-Grabovski-Kulemin
Lupul-Connolly-Kadri
Crabb-Steckel-Brown


Phaneuf-Schenn
Gunnarsson-Komisarek
Gardiner-Franson


Gustavsson
Reimer


Go Leafs Go!