The Toronto Maple Leafs hit the official halfway point of the 2025-26 NHL season as they prepare for Game 41 against the New York Islanders. In this in-depth Leafs game preview, Zack Phillips breaks down the projected line combinations, defensive pairings, power-play units, and goaltending decisions heading into puck drop.
Coming off a statement win against the Winnipeg Jets, Auston Matthews headlines the discussion after recording his first hat trick in nearly two years, driving a line with Max Domi and Bobby McMann. Head coach Craig Berube appears committed to keeping his forward groups intact as Toronto searches for lineup balance and sustained momentum in a tightly packed playoff race.
The show dives deep into Matthew Knies elevating his physical play, the growing chemistry between John Tavares and Matias Maccelli, and why the Cowan–Robertson–Woll line continues to be a difficult matchup. On the back end, the focus shifts to Troy Stecher logging major minutes and reshaping Toronto’s transition game alongside Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe.
Injury updates include the latest on William Nylander, Dakota Joshua, and Chris Tanev, plus goaltending expectations for Joseph Woll and Ilya Samsonov.
The episode wraps with the official Best Bet powered by bet365, including an anytime goal look at Auston Matthews and betting trends surrounding Leafs vs Islanders.
Chapters:
00:00 – Game 41 preview & halfway point of the season
00:27 – Projected Leafs forward lines vs Islanders
01:22 – Berube’s lineup philosophy & Winnipeg comeback
02:24 – Why Matthews can drive depth scoring
03:25 – Hat trick vs Jets & playoff implications
04:09 – Matthew Knies’ physical resurgence
05:47 – Matias Maccelli’s impact & fit with Tavares
06:42 – Cowan–Robertson–Woll third-line chemistry
07:58 – Fourth-line balance & Scott Laughton’s role
09:24 – William Nylander injury status
10:08 – Dakota Joshua & Chris Tanev injury updates
11:19 – Defensive pairings & Troy Stecher’s workload
13:38 – Power-play units breakdown
14:07 – Goaltending outlook: Joseph Woll vs Islanders
15:20 – Best Bet segment (bet365)
16:27 – Auston Matthews anytime goal prop
18:09 – Subscribe, predictions & post-game plans
SHOUTOUT TO OUR SPONSORS!!
👍🏼 Powered by @bet365. Whatever the moment, it’s Never Ordinary at bet365. Download the App today and use promo code NATION.
👉 http://www.bet365.ca/
Gambling can be addictive — please play responsibly. Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGO are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario. 19+.
👍🏼 Uber Eats: https://www.ubereats.com/ca
🚨 Subscribe to TLN on Youtube!🚨
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/@theleafsnation401
🎙️LMT INTERVIEWS 📺
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH4sxh5zc9TF5GcP6knehfKBulG7sFQsP
🎧 LISTEN TO LMT 🎧
ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leafs-morning-take/id1649600835
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/14O8iXMvFwpGJvEoS6vsWO
_______________________________________________________________________________
💻 Website: https://theleafsnation.com
🐦 Follow on X: @TLNdc @thegoldenmuzzy @Jay_D_Rosehill
📺 Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theleafsnation401
💻 Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tlndc
#LeafsNation #TorontoMapleLeafs #NHL #LeafsForever #AustonMatthews #LeafsGameDay #Isles #MapleLeafs #Hockey #NHLAnalysis
3 Comments
I believe that zack has a secret oxygen tank because I don't ever hear him breathe, he just talks.😂
Hildby not sure if I spelt that right ? He was the reason the Leafs beat the Jets.
PK1 = Roy-Joshua.
PK2 = Laughton-Lorrentz.
PK Xtra= Jarnkrok.
This is why Jarnkrok is the man.