[7:39 PM] Sharks @ Maple Leafs

Who will WIN this matchup?

San Jose Sharks (16-11-1)

@ Toronto Maple Leafs (11-11-5)

 

Starting Goalies:

Martin Jones(SJ): Confirmed

Frederik Andersen(TOR): Confirmed

 

• The San Jose Sharks have flipped the script on last season’s formula for success, posting an impressive 10-4-0 mark at home while answering a franchise-best 28 road wins last season with a 6-7-1 record in 2016. The Sharks look to alter their fortunes away from home on Tuesday when they open a four-game road trip against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

• With defensemen Marc-Edouard Vlasic and David Schlemko nursing lower-body injuries, the Sharks recalled 2013 first-round selection Mirco Mueller from San Jose of the American Hockey League. The move could be just for the short term as Vlasic admitted to feeling better on Sunday, one day removed from sitting out the third period against the Hurricanes. Dylan DeMelo logged a season-high 17:16 of ice time on Saturday and has played the last three games in the absence of Schlemko, who appears close to a return.

• Coach Mike Babcock has never been shy about pressing the buttons of the younger members of his roster in order to get their attention. Mitch Marner was the latest example as the rookie was demoted to the fourth line in the first period on Sunday to play alongside Matt Martin and Ben Smith. Marner responded to the message by setting up Jake Gardiner’s goal to record his eighth point (three goals, five assists) and improve to a plus-3 rating in his last six home games.

• Toronto C Tyler Bozak has recorded 14 (five goals, nine assists) of his 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) at home.

• San Jose veteran C Joe Thornton has five assists in his past four games.

• The Maple Leafs have yielded three or fewer goals in each of their last seven contests.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs

Confidence: 5/10

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