Matthews Remains Out: Maple Leafs/Jets Game Preview and Lineups

Today’s game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets promises to be one of the most exciting of the season. The Jets will be seeking revenge after the Maple Leafs handed them their first loss of the year in a 6-4 win back in October. Winnipeg’s been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride since their hot start. However, they’ll be eager to gain some momentum heading into the holiday break. 

The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back after a tough 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders. Auston Matthews will miss today’s game with an injury. However, Toronto’s William Nylander, John Tavares, and Mitch Marner should be able to step up to fill the missing Matthews.

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Still No Auston Matthews

Matthews, a key piece of the Maple Leafs’ offense, was absent from the lineup again, as reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The team’s leading goal scorer over the past few seasons has been dealing with an upper-body injury that initially sidelined him in early November. He was unable to play as the Leafs lost to the Islanders, and he’s out again versus the Jets.

Players like William Nylander and Mitch Marner have stepped up to fill the offensive void, keeping Toronto competitive during Matthews’ absence. They’ll need to do so against a formidable Jets team, who, while they’ve taken a bit of a step back, are still among the league’s top teams.

TOR coach Craig Berube said Auston Matthews will not play this afternoon

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 23, 2024

Likely, Matthews being out is as much about resting him ahead of the holiday break as it is him being unable to play. No point in trying to force him into a game like this.

The Jets Are on a Roll; the Maple Leafs Are Reeling From a Loss

The Jets come into the game off a huge 5-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild. In that game, Connor Hellebuyck got his fourth shutout of the season. Winnipeg has also been pulled along by strong play from Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. That said, they seem to struggle against the Maple Leafs, who have won the last two games. Toronto has been consistent, and their overall depth and speed give them an edge. However, the Blue and White must avoid early errors like the ones that dragged them down against the Islanders.

The Jets have found power play success, converting 11 of their last 28 tries. Special teams could be a factor in this game. Toronto’s penalty kill has had issues, and the Maple Leafs can’t give Winnipeg too many chances with the man advantage. Toronto’s special teams must be sharp if they hope to keep the game in their favor.

Can the Maple Leafs Depth Step Up Again?

Looking at the Maple Leafs’ roster, Matthews leaves a big hole in their offensive lineup. But Nylander, Tavares, and Marner have been carrying the load. The bottom six has also contributed, with players like Max Domi, Nick Robertson, and Bobby McMann offering added depth. Joseph Woll will get the nod in net for the Maple Leafs, and he’ll need to be sharp against the Jets offense.

Projected Lineup:

Winnipeg Jets

• Forwards: Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Gabriel Vilardi
• Cole Perfetti – Vladislav Namestnikov – Nikolaj Ehlers
• Nino Niederreiter – Adam Lowry – Mason Appleton
• Morgan Barron – David Gustafsson – Alex Iafallo
• Defense: Josh Morrissey – Neal Pionk
• Haydn Fleury – Dylan DeMelo
• Ville Heinola – Colin Miller
• Goalies: Connor Hellebuyck, Eric Comrie
• Scratched: Logan Stanley, Rasmus Kupari
• Injured: Dylan Samberg (foot)

Toronto Maple Leafs

• Forwards: Matthew Knies – David Kampf – Mitch Marner
• Max Pacioretty – John Tavares – William Nylander
• Bobby McMann – Max Domi – Nicholas Robertson
• Steven Lorentz – Connor Dewar – Ryan Reaves
• Defense: Morgan Rielly – Conor Timmins
• Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Chris Tanev
• Simon Benoit – Jake McCabe
• Goalies: Joseph Woll, Dennis Hildeby
• Scratched: Pontus Holmberg, Phillippe Myers
• Injured: Jani Hakanpaa (lower body), Calle Jarnkrok (lower body), Anthony Stolarz (lower body), Auston Matthews (upper body)

Maple Leafs Bold Game Prediction:

The game will be a close one, but I see the Maple Leafs edging out a 4-2 win. Nick Robertson will score again, with an assist from Max Domi. Tavares will score, with Nylander getting another empty-netter. Marner will pick up two key assists.

Related: The Good, Bad & Ugly in the Maple Leafs’ 6-3 Loss to the Islanders