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WHEN

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Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

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TV: Sportsnet, RADIO: FAN 590

ODDS

Florida –130, Toronto +110

THE BUZZ

Florida’s Stanley Cup hangover could be starting a bit, as it has lost six of the last seven. The Leafs have won seven of eight, almost all without several key forwards being injured or suspended…Anthony Stolarz is expected to get the start in net, having gone from a useful backup with the Cup champion Panthers to number 1. 1 place with the Leafs and a league-best .927 save percentage to start the week… Coach Paul Maurice was very vocal during Tuesday’s practice. “That’s what we need right now,” forward Gustav Forsling said. “We have to bounce back”… Maurice admitted after a 4-1 defeat against Washington “there is a part of our game missing”… Defender Oliver Ekman-Larsson and winger Steven Lorentz are also back, to collect their championship rings. the 2024 Stanley Cup and trying to contain what will be an ornery Florida team… “OEL was a really nice guy, a really good friend, I miss him,” Forsling said. “The (ex-Panthers) were great”… Toronto can open a five-point lead over the Cats for the division lead with a regulation victory.

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THE NEWS

Matthews (upper body) is questionable for this game after missing the last 24 days, during which the Leafs simplified their game and played good 5-on-5 hockey… Winger Matthew Knies is more likely to play Saturday against Tampa Bay returning from an upper-body injury… While the Leafs are near the top in faceoff winning percentage, Florida is working at a conference-worst 47.4 percent Is before Wednesday.

THE QUOTE

“We have to do our best. I’m sure it will mean a lot to the (ex-Panthers) to see this Cup banner. They worked extremely hard for this. –Mitch Marner

THE SURVEY

Who is your favorite former Panthers Leafs coach?

Roger Neilson

Pierre Horacek

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Joel Quenneville

Paul-Maurice

THE RANGE OF PROJECTED SHEETS

Attackers

Bobby McMann John Tavares Mitch Marner

Holmberg Bridge Auston Matthews William Nylander

Nick Robertson Fraser Minten A. Nylander/N. Grebenkin

Alex Steeves Connor Dewar Steven Lorentz

Defense

Morgan Rielly-Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Jake McCabe-Chris Tanev

Simon Benoit-Conor Timmins

Aim

Anthony Stolarz

Joseph Woll

Injuries

Toronto: Matthews (upper body), Knies (upper body), LW Max Pacioretty (leg), F/LW Max Domi (lower body) C David Kampf (lower body), F Calle Jarnkrok (groin), RW Ryan Reaves (suspended).

Florida: LW Jonah Gadjovich (upper body) daily.

The prediction:

A good night for Florida to show its true colors, 4-3 Panthers.

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X: @sunhornby

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