Penguins at Maple Leafs: Live stream, prediction, preview

By Simon Vacca | Oct 18, 2018

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 10: Nazem Kadri #43 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the Air Canada Centre on March 10, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, Oct. 18. Here’s everything you need to know about the matchup.

On Thursday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs will host the Pittsburgh Penguins in what promises to be a matchup for the books.

Fresh off a five-game winning streak, Mike Babcock’s men shall look to further build upon what has been an illustrious start to the regular season, while Mike Sullivan & Co. will aim to put an end to the Buds’ early triumphs.

For Toronto, dreams of a sixth straight victory can only be translated into reality if the club’s back end marries offensive astuteness with defensive accountability.

Fans of the Buds have surely managed to breathe a collective sigh of relief upon hearing the news that goaltender Frederik Andersen’s recent knee injury was just a minor shakeup.

Nevertheless, the onus of responsibility will be on the club’s defenders to ensure that Andersen is placed in a position to succeed. As such, expect the team to nail its two way matchups, as the Maple Leafs look to shut down one of the most dynamic forces in the National Hockey League.

For Pittsburgh, Thursday night’s matchup is an opportunity to send puck lovers an overarching message: they can — and will continue to — be the team to beat.

Comprised of a lineup that is nothing short of intimidating on any given night — Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and Kris Letang are, without question, some of the sport’s very best players at their respective positions — the Penguins shall attempt to set a measure of consistency into motion with a win over the Buds.

Expect the Penguins to pound the Maple Leafs with shots, as they seek to take advantage of a situation in which Andersen may appear to be a means away from top-notch form.

Toronto Maple Leafs (6-1-0) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (2-1-2)

Date: Thursday, October 18, 2018
Time: 7:00 p.m., E.T.
Location: Scotiabank Arena
TV: TVAS, TSN4, ATTSN-PT
Live stream: Fubo.Tv. Sign up now for a free trial.

Next. Capitals’ TJ Oshie reflects on winning the Stanley Cup. dark

The Maple Leafs may be riding the tide of an impressive start for the ages, but with Andersen placed in a problematized position, the Buds’ momentum may falter.

Prediction: Penguins defeat Maple Leafs by a score of 5-3

Home/NHL