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Steemsports presents the Toronto Maple Leafs vs Florida Panthers

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Game Preview

The Leafs have actually played quite well the last couple of games – picking up a 4-1 win in Arizona last game before the break. Both teams have been sitting since the 23rd. The Panthers are coming off of a 4-3 shoot-out loss to Detroit. They have lost two games in a row and will be looking to take advantage of the young Leafs.

ALL-TIME RECORD

Florida Panthers	27 Wins
Toronto Maple Leafs	24 Wins

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Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have actually looked like a contender the last few wins. The glimmer of hope that Leafs fans hold onto shines brightly when this extremely talented young squad has its stars align. This team at times looks like a team that is probably only a year or two away from being a much stronger contender. Toronto has some real bright up and coming stars. Ausitn Matthews has 16 goals and 26 points. Mitchell Marner has 18 assists. Federik Andersen has 14 wins. The Leafs are currently in 6th place – a win tonight would move them ahead of the Florida Panthers and into fifth place.

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Key Player: Mitchell Marner

Mitchell "Mitch" Marner (born May 5, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Marner was born in Markham, Ontario, but grew up in Thornhill, Ontario. He was selected 4th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Marner is a pleasure to watch – you don’t get to say that about many players. He has an ability to make others great – and his 18 assists this year are a testament to that.

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Florida Panthers

The Panthers have been on a 2 game losing streak – including a “heartbreaker” shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The Panthers have lost to the Leafs both times they have met this season. Their team in places resembles a retirement home – with players like Jagr and Luongo. This team is 1 point ahead of the Leafs – but are in different types of rebuilds. The Panthers are an older team – with quite a bit of talent – but no real direction. Its seems as if the team is in a holding pattern waiting for some big moves. Bright spots have been Jonathan Marchessault with 10 goals. Alexander Barkov with 18 assists and 27 points. Roberto Luongo has 11 wins on the season. The Panthers must win tonight at home if they want to keep their 1 point lead on the Leafs in fifth spot.

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Player Profile: Aleksander Barkov

Aleksander Aleksandrovich "Sasha" Barkov (Russian: Александр Александрович Барков; born September 2, 1995) is a Finnish professional ice hockey center. He is currently playing for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Barkov was selected by the Florida Panthers in the first round (second overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He is the son of former Russian hockey player Aleksander Barkov Sr. and holds dual Finnish and Russian citizenship. He grew up in Tampere, Finland where his father was playing for Tappara of the Finnish SM-Liiga.

Barkov is a fantastic competitor. With 35 games played he has already racked up 27 points including 18 assists. He finished last season with a career high of 59 points and he looks on pace to do at least that.

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Presenter: @hansolo

Editor: @cryptoiskey

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December 28th, 7PM/4PM ETPT

December 29th, 12AM UTC

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