Game #73: Ducks vs. Maple Leafs Gameday Preview

Dec 12, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) controls the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Ducks are looking to extend their winning streak to three games for the first time since early February in a Sunday matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Ducks are coming off a 5-4 overtime win against the New York Rangers while the Leafs are coming off a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. The Ducks have faced the Leafs just once this season, a 3-2 loss in Toronto on Dec. 12.

Anaheim has fared well during its current five-game homestand, winning two out of three thus far. They've outscored their opponents 11-6 in their last two games and the offensive production has come mostly from their young players.

Takeaways from the Ducks 5-4 Overtime Win over the RangersTakeaways from the Ducks 5-4 Overtime Win over the RangersThe Anaheim Ducks continued their five-game homestand by hosting the New York Rangers on Friday evening at Honda Center. The Ducks were coming off of potentially their most complete performance of the 2024-25 season on Wednesday with a 6-2 victory over the Boston Bruins and looking to return to the .500 mark for the first time since March 9.

The Ducks have received 137 points and 57 goals from skaters aged 21 and under, which leads the NHL. 20-year-old Leo Carlsson had the first four-point game of his NHL career on Friday against the Rangers and 21-year-old Cutter Gauthier has recorded points in 11 of his last 17 games. Although now 22 years of age, Mason McTavish provided the game-winning goal in overtime on Friday, capping off a thrilling comeback.

Jacob Trouba left Friday's game after slamming into the endboards during the third period and did not return. It appears that he has avoided a serious injury and is day-to-day. No morning skate with the 5 p.m. PST puck drop does not provide any information on his availability, but a team source said that he is in consideration to play on Sunday despite missing Saturday's practice. If he cannot play, Oliver Kylington will draw into the lineup.

Ducks Projected Lines

Cutter Gauthier - Leo Carlsson - Alex Killorn
Frank Vatrano - Ryan Strome - Troy Terry
Trevor Zegras - Mason McTavish - Sam Colangelo
Nikita Nesterenko - Isac Lundeström - Jansen Harkins

Jackson LaCombe - Radko Gudas
Oliver Kylington - Olen Zellweger
Pavel Mintyukov - Drew Helleson

John Gibson (projected)

Leafs Projected Lines

Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Mitch Marner
Bobby McMann - John Tavares - William Nylander
Scott Laughton - Max Domi - Calle Järnkrok
Pontus Holmberg - David Kämpf - Steven Lorentz

Morgan Rielly - Brandon Carlo
Jake McCabe - Chris Tanev
Simon Benoit - Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Joseph Woll (projected)

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