Chicago Blackhawks-Toronto Maple Leafs Preview With Steve Dangle

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Oct 20, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks to his team during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs are at opposite ends of the expectation spectrum

Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on the second night of back-to-back games, following their 3-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night. The two franchises came into the 2016-17 season with similar goals in mind, but at completely opposite ends of the spectrum.

The Leafs and Blackhawks both are relying on getting youthful in their roster make-ups, but for different reasons.

The Leafs are one of the youngest, if not the youngest team in the NHL with a large group of rookies and prospects leading the way. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander will be looked to drive the Leafs this season in the only direction they can go, up.

Chicago is also relying on youthful talent to make big impacts for it this season. Tyler Motte, Vince Hinostroza and Nick Schmaltz will be looked at to step in and fill the gaps left by veteran trade deadline acquisitions and free agency signings of seasons past.

Check it out: Chicago’s Second Line Must Stay Together

Ahead of the first of two match-ups this season between Chicago and Toronto, I had the privilege to talk with Steve ‘Dangle’ Glynn, Maple Leafs YouTuber/Blogger with Sportsnet.ca to find out the finer details of the Leafs before the puck drops tonight.