Game Preview #4 - Toronto Maple Leafs vs Calgary Flames

Will the Flames occupy the ACC today?

So early in the season it is tough to get too ramped up about these early games but these bubble club match-ups are the ones I measure as a real litmus test. 

The Maple Leafs are on paper a stronger team this year and off to another strong start 2-0-0. James Reimer has the potential to be a strong G for them this season and even if he isn't, the Leafs have some solid G prospects in the pipeline. 

The Flames effort in Montreal was encouraging but they still looked a little clunky. Time to put the fancy dancy plays on ice, get the green hard hat on and put the shoulder to the wheel. Kipper will almost certainly start in net and I don't expect too much of a roster change from last game.

Anticipated Game Style

The Leafs, with such a long layoff and playing at home, should come out strong. If the Flames can weather this expected onslaught early and shake-off this early pattern of a sleepy second period, they should be in the running. The all too familiar Flames cliche is here with as goes Kipper, so go the Flames. Kipper had a noticeably better game in Montreal so will he continue it in Toronto? 

One on One

Kessel vs Glencross

Kessel has started hot this season and so has Glencross. The lines will likely match-up if Brent Sutter continues his pattern of using the Olli line as a shut-down line. Kessel as RW should be staring across at Glencross with most faceoffs. 

Magic 8-Ball

Coin toss with maybe a slight edge for the Leafs. The Flames have not given me any confidence that they are at full potential yet and I am not underestimating the Leafs. Should be a gooder.

Anticipated Rosters (subject to change by game time)