Preview:

In the NHL’s most interesting matchup on this final Sunday before Christmas, the Toronto Maple Leafs will travel to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks. Both clubs are coming off losses yesterday, but the Leafs especially after giving up seven goals to depleted Flyers team. The Leafs are currently sitting in the first wild card spot of the Eastern Conference playoffs while the Blackhawks are sitting comfortably in second spot in the Western Conference. The Hawks come into this one with one of the league’s best offenses, but have played .500 hockey over their last ten games. Expect James Reimer to be in goal tonight for the Leafs as Jonathan Bernier gave up seven goals last night. On the Hawks side it is unlikely that Corey Crawford will play both ends of a back to back as he just recently returned from a leg injury. If Crawford doesn’t go it will be Antti Raanta in net.

Prediction:

Both these clubs are coming off a game last night so I would expect a sloppy game. With both these teams high powered offenses I would expect their to be a surplus of goals. With that being said I would expect the Blackhawks to rebound behind their stat duo of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.

Team Leaders:

Goals:

TOR- Phil Kessel (17)

CHI- Patrick Kane (15)

Points:

TOR- Phil Kessel (36)

CHI- Patrick Kane (33)

Plus/Minus (+/-)

TOR- Mike Santorelli (+15)

CHI- Kris Versteeg (+15)