Standings: Toronto (14-10-2), Rangers (15-5-3)

Leading Scorer: Tyler Seguin Phil Kessel (16-16-32)

Goaltender: Jonas Gustavsson (3.22 GAA, .900 SV%)

Rangers Lines:

Artem Anisimov-Derek Stepan-Marian Gaborik
Ruslan Fedotenko-Brad Richards-Ryan Callahan
Carl Hagelin-Brian Boyle-John Mitchell
Sean Avery-Brandon Dubinsky-Brandon Prust

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Mike Sauer
Jeff Woywitka-Steve Eminger

Henrik Lundqvist gets the start tonight.

Scratches/Injuries: Marc Staal (concussion symptoms), Mike Rupp (knee), Wojtek Wolski (groin), Andre Deveaux (suspension), Anton Stralman (healthy)

Preview: Talking about crashing down to Earth: The Leafs started the season 7-2-1, but have gone just 7-8-1 since then, including two losses in a row. This is a very high scoring Leafs team, with two players (Kessel, Joffrey Lupul) already over 30 points. Throw in great starts for Dion Phaneuf and John-Michael Liles, and you have a potent offense that is current top-five in scoring and second on the powerplay (22.4% conversion rate). Where the Leafs falter, however, is on defense and goaltending (they have a -2 goal differential). James Riemer has been out with a concussion until just recently, leaving the goaltending duties to Jonas Gustavsson, who has struggled.

The Leafs prey on defensively inept teams, but struggle mightily against teams that have solid goaltending and defense like Boston (they are 0-4-0 against the Bruins). This plays right into the Rangers hands, as they are built much like the Bruins, albeit they win in a different manner. That said, this is another game that has “trap” written all over it.

Crazy Thought: Dubinsky plays a full 60 minutes.

Opponent’s Blog: Editor In Leaf

Game time tonight is 7pm on MSG, AM1050 and XM212.

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