Game #39 - vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Game 39

Maple Leafs (13-17-9, 35 pts) at Penguins (26-11-1, 53 pts)

Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh

Why does it matter?
The Pens need to shake off the rust after a few days away from hockey for the Christmas break. The Maple Leafs are a perfect team for that task.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The Sens were cannon fodder for the Pens before Christmas.
• Maple Leafs - The Leafs are riding a three game losing streak, but they are playing some close games.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens keep the Leafs in check? The Leafs will bring the offense - they fire lots of shots (they had a 61 shot game earlier this year).
  
• Can the power play keep things going? Three goals on Wednesday to match a season high is great - now they need to stay consistent.
  
• I'm still looking for a shut out from a Pens goalie. Can they get one? (this question is staying here until they do)
  

Keys to the game

• Focus on the D - The Leafs do have some forwards that can put the puck in the net, and Jason Blake has always been a Penguin killer.
• The Monster has been inconsistent this year. Get lots of traffic in front of him and get him rattled early.
  
• Keep Kessel in check.