The Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators are set to face off at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. This matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions, with the Maple Leafs riding a winning streak and the Predators struggling to find consistency.
Team Overview
Toronto Maple Leafs (42-24-3)
- Current Form: The Maple Leafs are on a three-game winning streak, including a thrilling 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Thursday. Toronto has been one of the most consistent teams in the Atlantic Division and is tied with the Florida Panthers for the division lead with 87 points.
- Road Record: Toronto has been strong on the road, boasting a 20-11-2 record this season.
- Key Players:
- Mitch Marner: Leads the team with 83 points (21 goals, 62 assists) and continues to be a playmaking force.
- William Nylander: The team’s leading goal scorer with 38 goals, Nylander has 73 points and has been in excellent form.
- Auston Matthews: Adds depth with 61 points (28 goals, 33 assists), providing a balanced offensive attack.
- Goaltending:
- Joseph Woll is expected to start. Woll has been solid this season with a 24-12-0 record, a 2.70 GAA, and a .908 save percentage. He is 2-0 in his career against Nashville, with a 2.00 GAA and a .918 save percentage.
Nashville Predators (25-35-8)
- Current Form: The Predators are on a four-game losing streak, including a 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. Nashville has struggled offensively and sits seventh in the Central Division, well out of playoff contention.
- Home Record: Nashville has been competitive at home, with a 17-14-3 record at Bridgestone Arena.
- Key Players:
- Filip Forsberg: Leads the team with 61 points (25 goals, 36 assists) and remains the Predators’ most consistent offensive threat.
- Jonathan Marchessault: Adds secondary scoring with 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists).
- Steven Stamkos: The veteran forward has 44 points (23 goals, 21 assists) and continues to be a key contributor.
- Goaltending:
- Juuse Saros is expected to start. Saros has a 16-27-6 record, a 2.94 GAA, and a .896 save percentage. Against Toronto, he is 2-3 in his career, with a 2.43 GAA and a .930 save percentage.
Head-to-Head Matchup
- Season Series: This is the second and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Maple Leafs won the first matchup 3-2, with Auston Matthews scoring twice.
- Historical Record: The Predators are 15-15-1-2 all-time against the Maple Leafs, including a 7-6-1 record at home.
- Key Stats:
- Toronto averages 3.2 goals per game, while Nashville averages 2.52 goals per game.
- The Maple Leafs allow 2.92 goals per game, while the Predators concede 3.26 goals per game.
- Toronto’s power play ranks 10th in the NHL, while Nashville’s penalty kill ranks 18th.
Projected Starting Lineups
Toronto Maple Leafs:
- Forwards:
- Nylander – Matthews – Marner
- Tavares – Knies – Järnkrok
- Lafferty – Kampf – Bunting
- Holmberg – Reaves – Robertson
- Defense:
- Rielly – Brodie
- Giordano – Liljegren
- McCabe – Klingberg
- Goaltender: Joseph Woll (expected starter)
Nashville Predators:
- Forwards:
- Forsberg – Novak – Stamkos
- Marchessault – O’Reilly – Tomasino
- Glass – Sissons – Trenin
- Sherwood – Jankowski – Evangelista
- Defense:
- Josi – Fabbro
- McDonagh – Carrier
- Lauzon – Barrie
- Goaltender: Juuse Saros (expected starter)
Injury Report
Toronto Maple Leafs:
- Jani Hakanpää (knee): Out.
Nashville Predators:
- Roman Josi (undisclosed): Expected to play.
- Adam Wilsby (undisclosed): Expected to play.
Storylines to Watch
- Toronto’s Offensive Depth: With Marner, Nylander, and Matthews leading the charge, the Maple Leafs’ offense will look to exploit Nashville’s struggling defense.
- Juuse Saros’ Performance: Saros has been a bright spot for the Predators despite their struggles. Can he keep Toronto’s high-powered offense in check?
- Filip Forsberg’s Leadership: Forsberg has been Nashville’s most consistent player. His ability to generate offense will be critical for the Predators.
- Playoff Implications for Toronto: The Maple Leafs are tied for the Atlantic Division lead and will look to maintain their momentum as they push for the top seed.
