Ducks Vs Maple Leafs projected lines set stage for goaltending, depth tests
Projected lineups for ducks vs maple leafs are out, with Michael Pezzetta recalled from the AHL and both clubs’ forward trios listed in the published cards. That confirmed slate signals a game where Auston Matthews’ 12-game goal drought, Luke[s] Dostal’s goaltending workload and midgame lineup tweaks will shape matchup leverage and ice-time allocation.
Ducks Vs Maple Leafs: Projected lineups and Michael Pezzetta’s debut
Chris Kreider, Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier appear atop the Ducks’ forward depth chart, while Easton Cowan, Auston Matthews and William Nylander form a top line for Toronto; those names anchor the matchup as injuries and scratches reshuffle supporting roles. Troy Terry (upper body) and John Carlson (lower body) are listed injured for one side of the matchup, and Steven Lorentz, Dakota Joshua and Troy Stecher are scratched on the other. The Ducks could dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen, with Helleson a candidate after four healthy scratches, and Calle Jarnkrok appears to draw back into Toronto’s line mix.
Anaheim Ducks’ Lukas Dostal and team metrics shaping the game
The Ducks arrive with a 36-25-3 record and recent form that included a 4-1 regulation win on March 10, while the Maple Leafs sit at 27-27-11 after a 3-1 regulation loss on March 10; those results underscore how each team’s recent output feeds into tonight’s stakes. Lukas Dostal is cited as the likely starter and ranks fifth among regular starting goalies for Expected Goals Against faced, having saved slightly over expected with that workload. At five-on-five the Ducks show a 51% Expected Goals and 52% Corsi split, their power play registers as mediocre, the penalty kill is described as very bad, and their all-situations Goals Percentage sits at 48%.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ roster signals: Easton Cowan, Auston Matthews, Matt Knies
Easton Cowan is portrayed as stepping into a larger role, with commentary noting he hopes to help break Auston Matthews’ 12-game goal drought and build on a strong showing in Montreal; John Tavares is quoted praising Cowan’s mindset and approach. Matt Knies left the Maple Leafs’ morning skate after taking a puck to the face off a rebound but is expected to play, per coach Craig Berube, and Easton Cowan is noted as having taken over Knies’ role in a recent lineup shift. Meanwhile, Calle Järnkrok’s return to the lineup coincides with Dakota Joshua and Steven Lorentz sitting out.
If Easton Cowan continues to play fast, make plays and maintain the confidence described in his recent comments, he could be the immediate internal driver to relieve pressure on Auston Matthews’ scoring drought and change matchups for Toronto’s top-six. Should Michael Pezzetta deliver the energy and physicality he said he plans to bring in his remarks about joining the roster, that could alter fourth-line minutes and penalty-minute profiles for Toronto after his recall from the Marlies.
Next confirmed milestones from the context are Michael Pezzetta making his season debut after being recalled from the AHL and the coach’s confirmation of Matt Knies’ availability for the game. What the context does not resolve is whether Lukas Dostal will be the confirmed starter in goal—he is listed as likely but remains unconfirmed—so goalie deployment will be the next explicit signal to watch before puck drop.
