Toronto Maple Leafs vs Carolina Hurricanes PreviewFresh off the Olympic break, its back to work for the NHL as the league returned to the ice last night. The Carolina Hurricanes visit the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, and, on paper at least, this game looks like a battle of the bottom feeders, which it “technically” is in the standings of the Eastern Conference. But Carolina has gone 8-2 in their last 10 games, while the Leafs have created much needed excitement with the acquisitions of Dion Phaneuf and J.S Giguere.
These 2 teams have met three times this season, with Carolina taking 2 of the three games. It’s also the eve of the Trade Deadline, which takes place this coming Wednesday. Both teams have already made some significant moves, but are expected to continue to be busy during the next 48 hours. The Hurricanes are without their number one goaltender Cam Ward, who has been out since February 3 rd (5 games) with an upper body injury. Veteran Manny Legace as well as rookie Justin Peters have played very well in his absence, going 5-0. Tonight’s game will feature a couple of Olympic medalists. Eric Staal of the Hurricanes won Gold with Canada, and Maple Leaf Phil Kessel was part of the American squad which took home the silver.
By:
Bill Burfoot
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