Tonights Spotlight

Mikhail Grabovski

With Tim Connolly hurt, Mikhail Grabovski will face the brunt of Montreal's defense. Although Phil Kessel could see Montreal's top pairing, I expect the Grabovski line to be Montreal's focus of concern.

Grabovski had an outstanding preseason, picking up where he left off last season. Tonight, he will need to bring a multi-faceted game, as he will be expected to play the PP, PK and produce at even strength.

The beauty of the Grabovski line is that not only are they good on their own side of the rink, but they have great chemistry. Grabovski and RWer, Nikolai Kulemin have been building chemistry for the last two years, and that hard work payed off last year. After a great preseason, it looks as nothing will slow these two down.

Rookie, Matt Frattin will complete the trio for the first two games of the 2011 season, as Clarke MacArthur is serving his two game suspension.

What does Grabovski have to do tonight?

He must use his lightening quick speed to attack Montreal's old and slow defense. He must also utilize the space created by Matt Frattin and Nikolai Kulemin, who are both power forwards. If Grabovski gets time and space he will set up one of Kulemin or Frattin; he could also quite possibly snipe a goal, as he did record a career high 29 goals last season.

If Grabovski can contribute offensively tonight and be a plus player, the Leafs will be victorious against the Montreal Canadiens.