Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Nylander, Woll, Matthews & Pacioretty – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins will meet for the first time this season tonight. Interestingly, both teams are moving and determined to shake off recent struggles. Toronto comes into the game with two straight losses, including a 5-1 loss to St. Louis.

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In both games, Toronto suffered from the play of its special teams. The Maple Leafs’ potent offense hit the bullseye, especially with the man advantage. Often fails to convert on power plays and produces limited scoring opportunities. The recipe for disaster was perfect.

Meanwhile, the Bruins have dropped three straight games. They entered the game with a 3-4-1 record. They are looking to reset after a slow start under coach Jim Montgomery. Boston’s challenges include many costly penalties. They also suffered from a goal drought by captain Brad Marchand.

Both teams are looking for a spark. Given the possibility that something needs to change, the Maple Leafs are on a seven-game losing streak against their old rivals. Indeed, that must change. Isn’t that right?

With the Atlantic Division standings already firmly in place, tonight’s game is especially important as both Original Six franchises look to turn their seasons around.

Item 1: William Nylander Aims for Power-Play Success

After Toronto’s last two games ended without a single power play goal, William Nylander talked about what the Maple Leafs need to improve. With just three power play goals out of 27 this season (11.1% success rate), he emphasized the team’s need to attack the net instead of looking for the perfect setup.

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Tonight, he suggests he will aim to revive the power play and help Toronto break its scoring slump. Everyone knows the problem. As coach Craig Berube said, the team is getting better. What’s next for Nylander? Should Maple Leafs fans expect to see him lead more direct offensive drives, especially on the power play, in tonight’s game against Boston? What happened in an easy straight game against the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Item 2: Joseph Woll’s Return From Injury Wasn’t All Bad

Despite the Maple Leafs’ recent loss to St. Louis, Joseph Woll’s first season showed promise. Woll, who missed the start of the season with a strained hip, faced 41 shots in his return. He made a lot of money but received little help from his colleagues. Because Toronto was unable to convert its scoring chances, Woll’s game was unsuccessful from the start.

Look for Woll to return to playing the tough, untouchable game he’s known for. He can build on this as he returns to full game action. What’s next for Woll? Although Anthony Stolarz is the expected starter tonight, look for Woll to be given more starts in the future. His ability to be a stopper in the crease will give his team a good chance as they move forward in the regular season.

Item 3: Why Is Auston Matthews Struggling Under The New System?

Auston Matthews who is off to a surprisingly slow start is getting his game under the microscope. Toronto’s new captain is facing criticism for his defensive struggles and limited scoring. Matthews has managed just three goals and two assists in eight games, leading to concerns about whether he is adjusting to the pressure of captaincy. Or is it head coach Craig Berube’s demands for defensive accountability?

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Regardless, Matthews still hasn’t found his rhythm. The party needs his leadership on both fronts to progress. What’s next for Matthews? As the Maple Leafs look to end their losing streak against Boston, fans should expect Matthews to step up and prove that he can lead his team to victory. Could it be a breakout game in Arizona tonight?

Item 4: Max Pacioretty is Back on the Ice

After missing Thursday’s game against the Blues with a lower back injury, Max Pacioretty returned to practice on Friday. The veteran forward’s participation is an encouraging sign. How soon will he be ready? It has not been confirmed whether he will play against the Bruins tonight. There should be more updates on his availability before game time. Pacioretty’s knowledge and offensive skills are important, especially in key games against the team’s opponents.

What’s Next for Maple Leaves?

As fans of both teams prepare for tonight’s game, who would have expected the Maple Leafs and Bruins to struggle early in the season? Any other time during the season? Coming in with inconsistent records, both teams got off to promising starts, but hit frustrating skids.

Tonight’s game gives one team a chance to come out on top and the other could go further into their October slump. Given their strong position in the Atlantic Division, it is surprising to see them both facing similar challenges in this division.

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Will this be a tight, defensive battle as both teams look to shake off recent struggles? Or will it be a high-scoring game where offense is the answer? Either way, it’s safe to say that the first half of the regular season isn’t going as planned for either side. What happened tonight could set the tone for both teams’ push forward.

It’s anyone’s guess how these rivalries will fare in the coming weeks. One thing is certain, though. The pressure is on as the season heats up for the Maple Leafs and Bruins alike.