Music: {allcanada} RANGERS (30-16-5) at MAPLE LEAFS (23-27-4)

Monday, February 9, 2015

{allcanada} RANGERS (30-16-5) at MAPLE LEAFS (23-27-4)

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

7:30 PM ET

RANGERS (30-16-5) at MAPLE LEAFS (23-27-4)

TV: TVA SPORTS, MSG, TSN4

Season series: Phil Kessel scored a power-play goal and had two assists, and the Toronto Maple Leafs used a five-goal second period to spoil the New York Rangers' home opener Oct. 12. Leo Komarov's third-period goal, his first in 13 games, sparked Toronto to victory against the Rangers Nov. 8 at Air Canada Centre. Jonathan Bernier made 31 saves for the Maple Leafs.

Rangers team scope: New York had Monday off and heads to Toronto to open a four-game road trip. Despite a 3-2 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Sunday, the Rangers salvaged a point when forward Chris Kreider's goal tied the game at 18:40 of the third period. The Rangers are 19-6-1 since Dec. 8. Coach Alain Vigneault benched his top line of Rick Nash, Derek Stepan and Martin St. Louis for the latter part of the second period Sunday. "When you're not playing good enough, the coach has got to do what's best for the team," Nash told NorthJersey.com. "And our line wasn't playing good enough." Goalie Cam Talbot is expected to make his career-high fourth straight start. Forward Jesper Fast will miss 2-3 weeks because a sprained knee. Kreider has a point in four of his past five games. Forward Mats Zuccarello has a five-game assist streak, tying a career high.

Maple Leafs team scope: Toronto looks to build momentum from a 5-1 win against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday that ended an 11-game losing streak (0-10-1). Forward David Clarkson, a healthy scratch for the first time in his Maple Leafs career, practiced with the fourth line Monday but could sit again Tuesday. "I haven't made the final decision but usually if you have a winning combination …" interim coach Peter Horachek told the Maple Leafs website. "I've talked to him. We want the most out of every player. We expect them to be pros and to work that much harder to be that much better. Everybody has to bring more to the table and there are expectations." Defenseman Dion Phaneuf (hand) skated before practice. He will miss his seventh straight game and there is no timetable for a return. Bernier practiced after missing the game Saturday with an illness, but James Reimer in goal will start for the Maple Leafs.

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