Toronto dropped a 5-4 decision to the Sabres last night as the penalty kill did not show up once again. It's becoming an ugly story and one that could cost people their jobs. Carolina centerman Tim Brent was a fearless player who did everything he could to crack the leafs lineup. He played the penalty kill he won face offs he blocked shots and put up the odd point when needed. His pay off? Being replaced by Phillipe Dupuis who has turned out to be a dud. With no points and centering a line on the (As of last night) 30th ranked penalty kill I think it's time to make a change. With a lot of youth and grit playing for the first place Marlies in the AHL why not demote him?
Vancouver is on a eastern swing and dropped a 4-3 decision to the Hurricanes last night. Expect Vancouver to come out aggressive trying to shake off a game they should have won last night. Luongo is expected to start so a lot rides on which version shows up tonight.
Prediction
Vancouvers skill proves to much for Toronto. 3-2 Canucks.
It's a case of top rank powerplay vs lowest ranked penalty kill. Toronto has 3rd best powerplay and Vancouver has 7th best penalty kill.
ReplyDeleteIf special teams cancel each other out, and with the high octane offensive talent each team possesses, I have a feeling it could be a high scoring affair maybe a 5-4, 6-5 type of game. The difference could be a combination of the blueline and goaltending imo.
Also sense it might be a physical game, there's a mutual dislike city to city, and i would say a rivalry has brewed between the cities and may come forth in the game, who knows though.....predict a 5-3 game for Canucks if Toronto can't stay out of the box.
Go Canucks Go!!