Dennis Hildeby will get the call as the Leafs look to get some retribution in D.C. when they visit the Washington Capitals for the second time in less than a month.
Before we previewed the game, we kicked off the Thursday edition of Leafs Morning Take by talking about Christmas and what it means us to us and our families. It’s all about the children, right? Everyone remembers the gifts they received as kids —that’s for sure. Additionally, we got into some Worlds Junior talk, too. Growing up, that tournament always went hand in hand with the holiday season. It’s the best.
Then, we got into the Toronto/Washington game. The Leafs will try to build off whatever that game was the other night in Chicago. They found a job to get the two points, but obviously, it masked some serious deficiencies with this squad right now. It would be nice to get the big boys going. William Nylander’s goalless in eight, John Tavares has 1 goal in his past 11 outings, and Matthew Knies has three in his last 18 games. The Leafs will need their very best against a real good Capitals team coming off a pair of embarrassing losses where they were outscored 10-1. The power play battle will be interesting to monitor, too. The Leafs possess the NHL’s 30th ranked power play, Washington’s 28th. Two juggernauts, for sure. This one will be the first of three in four on the road.
With that in mind, Bruce Boudreau stopped by to preview the match-up. Firstly, he played the role of Craig Berube and disclosed what his messaging to the team would be ahead of this game against an unhappy Capitals squad. Then, we talked Craig Berube. Is his message still getting through? Has the team quit on their coach? Gabby had a great line about the team lacking energy, and how they look like they’re taking sleeping pills prior to a game. For the record, he said what we’re all thinking. Additionally, Boudreau hit on the struggling power play, what he would do with it, and if his former player Oliver Ekman-Larsson should be quarterbacking things. He also hit on Auston Matthews: If this is the new norm, are the Leafs screwed? Lastly, he gave his long-term outlook. Spoiler: He doesn’t feel very good about this team right now.
At any rate, don’t miss the Friday edition of Leafs Morning Take for a full breakdown of Leafs/Caps. Over and above that, we’ll preview this weekend’s back-to-back in Nashville and Dallas, respectively. Furthermore, fresh off Holy Mackinaw Night earlier this week, Joe Bowen will make another appearance on the podcast.