"We are not going to approach it too much (differently). The power play will look a little different for them. But we know they are going to come out, forecheck, put pucks in, and be physical. I don't think it is going to change their game much. We'll just be aware on the power play. They play hard. They're going to forecheck. It is going to be a tough game."
"It doesn't change anything. Teams get themselves in trouble when they know they don't have a top player in, go out, and think about it. Things don't go your way. We'll just treat the game the exact same way. We know they've been struggling, and their coach has been pushing them. We expect them to come out with a tough game tonight. We'll be ready."
"Big team. They have size up the middle, obviously, with Kopitar and Byfield. They'er two big centermen. It's a veteran D core back there. They don't give you a lot, and their PK is excellent. It will be key for our power play to do a good job tonight; special teams will be important. For me, it is about managing the game."
Auston Matthews will be out up to a week, leaving the Maple Leafs shorthanded against the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings plan to approach the game similarly, anticipating Toronto's forecheck, physical play, and modified power play. Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar emphasized the importance of playing well in Toronto and treating the matchup the same despite Matthews' absence. Craig Berube warned about the Kings' size down the middle with Kopitar and Byfield, a veteran defensive core, and an excellent penalty kill. Special teams and game management will be key factors in determining the outcome. Game time is 7:00 p.m. EST on Sportsnet Ontario.
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