Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Anthony Duclair expected to return as Isles battle Leafs

The New York Islanders are set to welcome Anthony Duclair back into the lineup on Saturday night as they clash with the in-form Toronto Maple Leafs. The game promises a mix of drama and high stakes, with both teams eager to solidify their standings as the season heats up.

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Duclair’s Long-Awaited Return to Action

Anthony Duclair, sidelined since Oct. 19 due to a lower-body injury, was officially activated from injured reserve on Friday. In the five games he played this season, the 29-year-old forward contributed two goals and one assist, demonstrating his potential to energize the Islanders’ offense.

Islanders coach Patrick Roy hinted at Duclair’s return but maintained a cautious tone, stating, “I’m going to keep it as a game-time decision, just in case, to protect everybody here, but it looks like he’s going to play.”

Duclair is expected to join a line with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, a trio Roy believes could benefit from Duclair’s skating ability and offensive versatility. “He’s got good vision, sees the ice well, and has a good shot,” Roy said, underscoring Duclair’s impact.

Teammate Mathew Barzal added, “Duke’s one of those guys you can insert wherever, whenever. He plays the game the right way, so chemistry comes naturally. We’re pumped to have him back.”

Islanders in Search of Redemption

The Islanders are aiming to rebound after dropping the first two games of their three-game road trip, including a disheartening 4-0 shutout to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Mathew Barzal, who recently returned from an upper-body injury that sidelined him since Oct. 30, has yet to register a point in his last two games. With two goals and three assists in 12 games this season, Barzal is looking to regain his scoring touch.

Despite their recent struggles, the Islanders hope Duclair’s return will reinvigorate their offense, giving them a much-needed spark as they head into this crucial matchup.

Maple Leafs Riding a Wave of Momentum

The Toronto Maple Leafs, in stark contrast, come into this game riding a three-game winning streak. Their latest victory, a 6-3 triumph over the Buffalo Sabres, showcased both resilience and depth.

Goaltender Matt Murray made his first NHL start since April 2, 2023, after recovering from bilateral hip surgery. His 24-save performance earned him praise from Toronto coach Craig Berube, who remarked, “I thought our team played really hard in front of him.”

Murray, who went 4-1-2 with a 1.85 goals-against average during his stint with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, reflected on his journey: “It’s been a long road. During warm-ups and the anthem, I took a moment to appreciate everything and everyone who helped me get here.”

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Stars in the Spotlight

Several key players will be critical in shaping the outcome of this game:

• Auston Matthews: Despite managing an upper-body injury, Matthews remains a force, currently on a four-game point streak (two goals, two assists). He scored a power-play goal against Buffalo, proving his ability to deliver under adversity.
• John Tavares: The Leafs captain reached a milestone with his 600th career assist, adding to an already stellar season.
• Nicholas Robertson: On a three-game point streak (three goals, three assists), Robertson continues to demonstrate his value to the Leafs’ offensive depth.

What’s at Stake?

Saturday’s matchup marks the first of three meetings between the Islanders and Maple Leafs over the next two weeks, with subsequent games scheduled for Dec. 31 in Toronto and Jan. 2 in Elmont, N.Y.

While the Islanders look to bounce back from their slump, the Maple Leafs aim to extend their winning streak and build further momentum.

Key Matchup to Watch

The Islanders’ anticipated line of Duclair, Nelson, and Palmieri will likely face tough opposition from the Leafs’ defensive pairings. Toronto’s ability to contain this line could determine the game’s outcome, particularly with Duclair returning hungry for impact. Conversely, the Islanders must devise a strategy to neutralize Matthews and Tavares, who consistently pose threats on the power play.

Conclusion

The return of Anthony Duclair and Matt Murray’s resurgence set the stage for an intriguing showdown between the Islanders and Maple Leafs. With both teams carrying different forms of momentum into the game, fans can expect a high-energy battle with playoff-like intensity.