Maple Leafs release projected lines vs. Devils

We've seen two extremely odd story lines so far in the young 2022-23 NHL season. One of the biggest surprises so far has been the play of the New Jersey Devils, who have won 10 straight games despite having entered the year not expecting to make much noise at all in the Eastern Conference. 

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are looking like world-beaters with the NHL's top record despite having been expected by many pundits and fans alike to take a considerable step backward.

In any event, it will be up to the Toronto Maple Leafs to try and slow down the scorching hot Devils tonight at Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto. What is it they'll be looking out for? 

"Lots of skill," head coach Sheldon Keefe explained of New Jersey. "They are determined on both sides of it. Hughes is actually playing more on the wing these days than he is in the middle. Haula has taken a lot of that load there defensively with faceoffs and such. Both guys are really feeling it offensively. They have four lines that are really contributing and maintain a high pace all the way through it. McLeod and Wood on the fourth group for this team might be two of the quickest skaters you’re going to find in the league."

"We know who their best people are and how to focus on them, but we have to know that on every shift, you’re going to have to be at your best and you’re going to be challenged."

Take a look at tonight's projected line combinations: 

Forwards
#58 Michael Bunting – #34 Auston Matthews – #88 William Nylander
#15 Alex Kerfoot – #91 John Tavares – #16 Mitch Marner
#47 Pierre Engvall – #29 Pontus Holmberg – #19 Calle Järnkrok
#12 Zach Aston-Reese – #64 David Kämpf – #62 Denis Malgin

Defensemen
#44 Morgan Rielly – #18 Jordie Benn
#55 Mark Giordano – #3 Justin Holl
#38 Rasmus Sandin – #37 Timothy Liljegren

Goaltender Matt Murray will make his second straight start in net. Game time is set for 7:00 PM EST.