The New York Rangers face a surging Toronto Maple Leafs team on home ice tonight. The Rangers will be without star defenseman Adam Fox, who was sidelined with an upper-body injury in New York’s 5-1 victory over the Islanders on Tuesday. Fox, one of the league’s top defensemen with 48 points this season, is expected to miss at least a week. His injury adds to the problems that have already impacted the Rangers’ blue line. Despite these setbacks, the Rangers are riding back-to-back wins and are looking to extend their push after a rocky return from the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
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On the other hand, Toronto has put up an impressive 6-1-0 record in their last seven games. The Maple Leafs are coming off a huge 5-4 overtime win over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. Despite facing some injury concerns, especially to defenseman Chris Tanev (who has a shoulder injury), the Maple Leafs are hanging in there. On Tuesday, Mitch Marner scored twice, including a beautiful breakaway game-winner in overtime. Given both teams’ defensive woes, tonight’s game could be a high-scoring affair between two high-powered offenses.
Item One: Chris Tanev Won’t Play Tonight
The Maple Leafs will be without defenseman Tanev for at least tonight’s game. He’s listed as day-to-day with a shoulder injury. He will be missed. Tanev has become a key part of Toronto’s defence this season and is known for his solid defensive play. He’s among the NHL leaders in blocked shots with 151 and has posted a plus-26 rating. His absence leaves a hole on the blue line, especially given his physical presence.
The Maple Leafs must adjust their defensive pairings. Expect increased ice time for Morgan Rielly (who has been solid) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Philippe Myers is also expected to be inserted into the lineup. With Tanev’s status uncertain for the near future, Toronto’s remaining defensemen need to deliver to extend their winning streak.
Item Two: Toronto’s Five-on-Five Struggles and Goaltending Heroics
Despite being first in the Atlantic Division, Toronto’s five-on-five metrics have been surprisingly so-so. The team has managed to overcome this flaw, thanks to great goaltending from Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. The duo has combined to save 23.2 goals above average, keeping the team competitive even when their even-strength play hasn’t been up to par.
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However, the significant question comes as the postseason nears. Neither Stolarz nor Woll has significant playoff experience, and there’s some uncertainty about how they’ll perform under pressure. As the Maple Leafs gear up for a deep run, their goaltending will be one of the key factors in determining how far they can go. Woll has been solid in limited postseason experience, but limited is the operative word.
Item Three: Max Pacioretty Nearing Return to Action
Max Pacioretty is getting closer to returning to the Maple Leafs lineup. Pacioretty looked good during Wednesday’s practice and is expected to suit up tonight against the Rangers.
Pacioretty has been sidelined since Feb. 8 with an undisclosed injury. In 37 games this season, the veteran forward has contributed five goals, 13 points, and a physical 105 hits. If he plays tonight, he’ll likely be slotted into a middle-six role. He needs to work his way back into game shape, so he might not play a ton of minutes.
Item Four: Trade Target Mathieu Olivier Likely Off the Market
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Maple Leafs are actively looking to strengthen their lineup. The team very much wants to win the Atlantic and set themselves up for a deep Stanley Cup run. One rumored target was the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Mathieu Olivier. He’d be a good addition to the team’s bottom six. He’s tough as nails and brings needed scoring depth.
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However, according to NHL Insider Darren Dreger, the Blue Jackets are reportedly looking to extend Olivier and have pulled him off the market. It’s still up in the air whether the team will go all-in or play it safer at the deadline. With Olivier no longer a viable target, the Maple Leafs will likely explore other potential moves to address their roster needs.
Item Five: Whatever Happened to Adam Brooks?
It’s always interesting when a young player bursts onto the scene, makes an impression, and then somehow fades away. Adam Brooks is one of those players who seemed to have a promising future with the Maple Leafs but never quite stuck. I remember he played well for the team, and when he was placed on waivers in the fall of 2021, his loss was noted. Where did the youngster go after he left the team?
After being claimed off waivers, he was also put on and claimed off waivers twice more during the 2021-22 season. If waivers were a rollercoaster, he rode it quickly, with stints with Toronto, the Montreal Canadiens, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Winnipeg Jets (his hometown) during 2021-22.
After that season, he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2022 but couldn’t stick in the NHL. After playing two full seasons with the Flyers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms, he moved to the Red Bulls of Munich EHC in Germany’s DEL for 2024-25. He played a solid first part of the season (scoring seven goals and seven assists in 23 games). However, he was injured in December and has not returned to action.
What’s Next for the Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs have a busy week ahead. After facing the Rangers tonight, they play an afternoon game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday. On Monday, they fly home to play the San Jose Sharks before heading west to meet the Golden Knights on Wednesday. They wrap up this stretch with a big Saturday night game on March 8 against the Colorado Avalanche.
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These upcoming games are crucial as Toronto looks to solidify its position in the standings. By the time next Saturday rolls around, the team’s makeup should be more settled, and the March 7 trade deadline has passed. It could be an interesting week.
