Watching the Maples Leafs highlights from December was interesting. There really doesn't seem to be much of a pattern of how they generate goals. I did see a few point shots with traffic in front, but there isn't a single NHL team that won't score a goal like that once in a while.
The oddest thing I noticed while watching Toronto is that their forwards have an uncanny ability of making something out of nothing. As a collective group, they are a highly skilled bunch. A lot of their goals and scoring chances come off of dangles, improbable passes and sheer determination. The Bolts will have to expect these guys to deke and dangle. Gap control and strong body positioning will be paramount for the Bolts D tonight and defensive zone coverage will be important as well. Like I said, the Leafs make some of the most improbable passes and a lot of them are east-west passes to a late trailer.
This is a team just a few points ahead of the Bolts that are also fighting for their lives to stay relevant post All-Star break. They haven't played too well lately, winning just 3 of their last 10, but 2 of those other 7 were lost in the OT/SO and they were definitely in the game for their 5 regulation loses (losing by either a goal or a goal + last minute empty netter).
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