Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Cowan, Kerfoot, Marner and Hakanpaa – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs hope to carry over the momentum from Saturday's 7-3 comeback victory over the Montreal Canadiens into tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After falling behind 3-0, the Maple Leafs scored five goals in the third quarter. Auston Matthews scored his first career shorthanded goal on a back-to-back drive in the third period.

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However, the game stayed close as Toronto goaltender Joseph Wall performed well after the Canadiens scored three goals in the first period. He made 32 saves on the night. Oliver Aikman-Larsson added a three-pointer, a goal and two assists. The Maple Leafs are coming off a three-game losing streak.

Item 1: Tonight’s game is a preview of the 4-nation showdown

Tonight's matchup is more than just a showdown between two Atlantic Division rivals. This is also a preview of the upcoming four-nation tournament, with nine players from both teams planning to represent their home countries. The Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner (Canada), Matthews (U.S.), William Nylander (Sweden) and Jani Hakanpa (Finland) (still recovering from injury) are available for the game.

For the Lightning, Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point (Canada), Jake Guentzel (U.S.) and Victor Hedman (Sweden) will suit up. Suit. Oddly, Marner is the only Canadian from the Maple Leafs to make Team Canada, while the Florida-based Lightning will have three players representing Canada.

Item 2: Easton Cowan approaches historic OHL winning streak

Maple Leafs rookie Easton Cowan scored two goals and had an assist on Sunday against the Sudbury Wolves, helping his team beat the Sudbury Wolves 8-1. The London Knights star has scored in an incredible 60 consecutive games. At the end of last season, he had played in 36 consecutive games. This season, he extended that streak, scoring a point in 24 consecutive games. He is now one game away from tying the Canadian Hockey League record of 61 games, set by Mario Lemieux in 1984.

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Cowan modestly downplayed comparisons to the legendary Lemieux. That said, his consistency is undeniable. Cowan has helped his Cavaliers win eight consecutive home games since returning from a disappointing World Juniors campaign in which Canada was eliminated before the medal game. He added strength to London's attack and the team won by a dominant margin. Maple Leafs fans should be watching to see if he can continue his streak.

Maybe it's too early to think about the NHL trade deadline. However, the Maple Leafs could rent a player (relatively cheap) who could help the team make the playoffs. That’s former Maple Leafs player Alex Kerfoot. Colefoot hasn't generated much offense since the team moved to Utah, although he showed signs of improvement after a quiet December. His offensive numbers are anything but flashy (15 points in 39 games); however, he could be a solid depth piece in the playoffs and the Maple Leafs know exactly what he can bring to the team.

His penalty shooting ability and strong two-way game could be helpful, especially in terms of adding depth and defensive coverage. Kerfoot's familiarity with the team and experience in high-pressure situations make him a low-risk, high-reward option. While his offensive upside may be limited, his versatility and experience could bring value as the Maple Leafs try to solidify their bottom-six spot. If the price is right and his contract is expiring, Kerfoot could be a cost-effective addition that adds depth and stability for the playoffs.

What should fans be watching for tonight's game?

The Chargers defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-1 on Saturday, and the team's form is also booming. Their roster is filled with stars. Nikita Kucherov ranks third on the NHL scoring list with 68 points (Marner ranks fifth with 64 points). He also scored in eight consecutive games (four goals and 10 assists). His Tampa Bay team has won three of its past four games, and Victor Hedman recently reached a milestone with 600 career assists.

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Tampa Bay defeated the Red Wings with a strong 2-3 performance. However, Toronto's defense has held them back this season, and tonight's home team has won its previous two games. The big question tonight is whether the Maple Leafs' recent offensive surge can continue, or whether the Chargers' special teams will help them leave Ontario with a much-needed win on the road.