*Note – These write-ups will be more detailed during the regular season as skater lines, data, and other factors are more clearcut.
Top Goalies
David Rittich (CGY)
Playing at least half of the game, maybe more against a watered down Oilers roster.
Frederik Andersen (TOR)
Not much that I’ve seen regarding playing time tonight, but Andersen should see at least half of the game and there’s a very good chance he leaves with a lead on the way to a win.
Mikko Koskinen (EDM)
Probably two period tonight for Koskinen with Mike Smith still out with the flu.
Jimmy Howard (DET)
No word from Blashill on how long Howard would go, but he’s starting and should see a good workload.
Key Skaters
Auston Matthews (TOR)
Came out on fire last time out and I would expect more of the same against an undermanned Sabres team.
Taylor Hall (NJ)
Hall returns tonight after not seeing game action since December of 2018. Hall will skate with Jack Hughes and Kyle Palmieri on what I expect will be a dynamic line.
Top Positional Plays
Center
Ryan O’Reilly (STL)
Jack Hughes (NJ)
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM)
Tyler Johnson (TB)
Kyle Turris (NSH)
Wing
Nikita Kucherov (TB)
Kyle Palmieri (NJ)
Leon Draisaitl (EDM)
Willie Nylander (TOR)
Anthony Mantha (DET)
Andreas Johnsson (TOR)
Pavel Buchnevich (NYR)
Defense
Victor Hedman (TB)
Morgan Rielly (TOR)
P.K. Subban (NJ)
Ryan Ellis (NSH)
Darnell Nurse (EDM)
Line Stacks
Maple Leafs – Johnsson, Matthews, Nylander
Devils – Hall, Hughes, Palmieri
Lightning – Palat, Johnson, Kucherov
GOOD LUCK!
