Puck drop: 7PM ET TSN
Now that Negative Tuesday is behind us it's time to realize that the Leafs have four points in their last three games which is pretty decent for them to be quite honest. With Toskala injured Gustavsson gets the start tonight. He looked solid and composed on Monday night despite not getting a lot of work until he got hung out to dry in OT.
Christian Hanson was called up and should be playing with Grabovski and Hagman according to AM640's Jonas Siegel. Hanson had a goal and an assist in a short five game stint with the Leafs last year. I'm hoping he gets thrown on the PP with Kessel; Hanson's a big body that plays physical in front of the net.
"Front of the net, that's where I've got to be," said Hanson. "Go to the corners, try to dig out the puck for them. Try to clear space." - The Star
The Lightning are currently 8th in the East with a 9-5-7 record largely due to the play of Antero Niittymaki who in 11GP has compiled a .936SV%. This could be another ugly night if the Leafs can't punch the puck home. Vincent Lecavalier seems to be finding his touch, he has five points in his last four games and now has 19 points in 21GP on the season. Steven Stamkos has two goals in his last three and is tied for fifth in the NHL in goals with 15. Stamkos is third in the league in power play goals so the Leafs will also need to stay out of the box tonight.
Remember your SPG picks, check out Raw Charge if you want any more Lightning news, and remember to come back thirty minutes before game time to catch the start of our game day open thread.
