GAME DAY: It’s a mini playoff as Florida Panthers, Maple Leafs start first of three

WHEN: Thursday, 7 p.m.  

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TV: TSN RADIO: Sportsnet 590    

ODDS  
  
Toronto –275, Florida +200  
    

THE BUZZ    

First of three games between now and April 8 between the current top two teams in the Atlantic Division … Home debut of two newest Leafs, defenceman Brandon Carlo and centre Scott Laughton … Florida will not have its aggressive star Matthew Tkachuk and its biggest trade deadline acquisition, former Boston captain Brad Marchand. Both are injured for the next few weeks, though the Cats used Tkachuk’s LTIR money to help themselves at the trade deadline … The Leafs have picked up their power play of late and face a team that leads the league in penalties taken … Toronto, anxious to get home after playing 11 of its past 13 on the road, will likely be missing top defensive defenceman Chris Tanev for the seventh straight game … Florida likely goes with Sergei Bobrovsky in net and Toronto counters with his back-up from last year’s Stanley Cup season, Anthony Stolarz, the loser in a 5-1 decision in Sunrise last November. 

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THE NEWS   

Florida defenceman Aaron Ekbllad was suspended 20 games this week for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance–enhancing drugs policy … Toronto right winger Mitch Marner had a shootout winner Monday in Utah as stories swirled around him refusing to waive his no-trade clause when management informed him the Carolina Hurricanes wanted him in the Mikko Rantanen trade. The Canes eventually swapped with Dallas … The Cats took Wednesday off after losing 3-2 in Boston … Winger Mackie Samoskevich has 12 goals for the Panthers, ranking 10th in NHL rookie points before Wednesday. 

THE QUOTE  

“These three games will be like four-pointers. We’re treating this like a playoff game. We want to make sure we’re in first place.” – Toronto defenceman Simon Benoit. 

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THE POLL  

Where do you think the Leafs will finish the regular season? 

1. First place and they’ll take advantage of a wildcard series.
2. Second place and full use of home ice advantage.
3. Third place and cross your fingers.
4. Top spot or second, but they’ll get upset in first round.

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THE PROJECTED LEAFS LINEUP  
   

Matthew Knies Auston Matthews Mitch Marner    

Calle Jarnkrok John Tavares William Nylander  

Bobby McMann Scott Laughton Max Domi 

Steven Lorentz David Kampf Pontus Holmberg 

 Defence  

Jake McCabe – Oliver Ekkman-Larsson 

Morgan Rielly – Brandon Carlo 

Simon Benoit – Philippe Myers  

Goal 

Anthony Stolarz  
  
Joseph Woll  

Injuries  
  
Toronto:  
  
D Chris Tanev (upper body), LW Max Pacioretty (lower body), D Jani Hakanpaa (knee).  

Florida 

RW Matthew Tkachuk (groin), LW Brad Marchand (upper body). 

THE PREDICTION    

Panthers 4-3 in OT as Leafs must shake off a lot of road rust. 

Lhornby@postmedia.com  

X: @sunhornby  

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