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Toronto Maple Leafs get a Christmas Miracle involving Chris Tanev
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev has been out for over a month with a concussion, but today against the Pittsburgh Penguins, that all changes.
Just moments ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs revealed some news that will certainly get fans excited for the Christmas festivities. Chris Tanev is back.
After missing over a month with a concussion, the defenseman is now ready to return to the lineup. At 4 PM, the Leafs are playing the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This is a big game for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference and are on a three-game losing streak.
On Monday, the team fired assistant coach Marc Savard, and the vibes could not be any lower right now. It is just proof that something needs to be done, and fast.
Winning against the Penguins today could certainly lift the team's spirits, especially since this game leads right into the Christmas break, which the Leafs will be happy to escape.
Despite being last in their conference, the Leafs are still single-digit points out of a playoff spot. That suggests the season isn't lost just yet.
Why Chris Tanev's return matters?
Chris Tanev was one of the best defensemen on the Leafs last season, and his shot-blocking abilities were why the Leafs won so many games.
With that in mind, the Leafs are going to need Tanev to reach those heights again now that he is back in the lineup. This season, he has only played eight games.
While he may not be immensely offensive-minded, he is still someone who provides confidence in the defensive end and can make huge plays.
The Maple Leafs have been lacking on defense, and getting Tanev back might just be the shot in the arm this team has desperately needed.