"They've been really good games. The one was a little lopsided here because they played the night before, and I think that factored into it. Clearly, it was a great hockey game in Toronto. They have special players. We play very similar. We are looking forward to another challenge here. It is kind of rare to see a team three times right away, but it will be a fun game."
"We've played these guys pretty well as of late. We are looking to do that again, but they know that, too. They are going to come in and be ready to go. We have to be ready to match their intensity. Our focus on the way we started has been pretty apparent against them. It seems like we get right to our game."
"It is a big game, for sure. It is great to get the guys (Matthews, Knies, and Roy) back, but it doesn't change everything, right? We need to play better. We need everybody to play better. It is a big game. It's the start of a road trip and could start us off on the right foot here. But let's focus on the process of how we have to get that done."
Reinforcements have arrived for the Maple Leafs with Matthews, Knies, and Roy returning as the team attempts to avoid a season-series sweep by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. EST on Sportsnet/Sportsnet 360. Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason described the matchups as competitive, noted stylistic similarities, and called the rare three-meeting stretch a fun challenge. Forward Charlie Coyle stressed the importance of matching Toronto's intensity, starting well, and playing a physical, man-for-man game. Coach Craig Berube said the returns help but require collective improvement and pointed to Columbus' high-end young offensive threats, including Fantilli.
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