Game 54 Preview: Ottawa Senators @ Toronto Maple Leafs

Fresh off an exhilarating last couple of days, the Senators are in Toronto to visit the playoff-bound Maple Leafs.

The Leafs are 7-2-1 in their last 10, and like Ottawa, beat Nashville in their last contest (3-2 SOW). Ottawa are 4-6-0, but have pulled off wins in four of their last five -- including three games with 4+ goals scored.

After playing with 11 forwards in Nashville, two top-six forwards will be rejoining the group in Toronto. Mark Stone is back after a nine-game absence due to a lower body injury, and Derick Brassard returns after missing the last two games with a nagging problem.

Some thoughts on tonight:

• I remember when this February matchup used to be the other way around: the porous Toronto Maple Leafs versus the playoff-bound Ottawa Senators. I miss those times.
• How many of the current Senators will be in the lineup when the two teams play next season? I’ll say 13 of the current 20.
• Jake Gardiner has been on a tear recently, with 13 points (all assists) in his last 10 games.
• Ottawa has 7 players who have 20+ points this season; Toronto has 8 who have 30+ points and 11 who have 20+. I’ve heard a lot of Mitch Marner complaining in Toronto, but he’s only 4 points behind Nylander and is third in team scoring.
• Why did Ottawa ever demote Chris DiDomenico again? His 10 points in 22 games is 8 more than Dumont, and puts him miles ahead of Burrows, Smith, Thompson, Pyatt, and Pageau in points-per-game.
• Erik Karlsson’s having a down year, but his 36 points in 48 games still has him 7th in points-per-game and 8th in overall points. He’s tied with Victor Hedman, who plays on a way better team. Klingberg (52 points) and Burns (47 points) pace all defenders.