5 Things to Watch for as Toronto Maple Leafs Face the Calgary Flames

A Toronto Maple Leafs tilt with the Calgary Flames might have been seen as a yawner by many in the recent past. That's not the case this season with both teams playing well and currently occupying playoff spots.

Yes, it is early to be thinking playoffs. But these recent also-rans have had good goaltending and inspired play from the point and have displayed a pack mentality when needed. Fans deserve to be excited about both squads.

Let's take a look at five things to watch for as these teams prepare for Tuesday night's game.

How Good Might Mark Giordano Be Playing at Home?

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A Toronto, Ontario, native is likely to be the best player on the ice on Tuesday night. Unfortunately for Leafs fans, he won't be wearing blue.

Mark Giordano has had an exceptional start to the season. He has 28 points in 28 games as a defenceman. Arguably, he has been the best defender in the NHL in 2014-15. It's not a stretch to have him in the conversation for the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP.

Giordano is not a one-trick pony. He's plus-17 on a Flames team that gives up a lot of scoring chances. He regularly faces the opposing team's top players. He's solid defensively.

Watch for Giordano to have a monster game in his hometown.

Will the Leafs Generate Offence?

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The Flames' shooting differential is not outstanding at minus-2.1 this season. Yet much of this is created from their lack of shots. They are 12th best in the league in shots against at 29.

The Leafs will have to find ways to generate offence against the Flames. This has been easier this year for the club with the more balanced attack. The third and fourth lines are legitimate threats to score in every game.

Keep an eye on the shot clock on Tuesday night. If the Leafs generate more than 30 shots and they're not all from the perimeter, expect the Leafs to be right in this one.

Containing the Flames Defence Is Paramount

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While Mark Giordano has played a large part in the Flames' success, as a whole, the defence group has been exemplary. T.J. Brodie has partnered with Giordano to form one of the top tandems in the NHL.

Dennis Wideman and Kris Russell have combined for 30 points as secondary defenders. Yes, 30 points from depth defenders in just 28 games.

The Flames can generate tremendous offence from their blueliners. If the Maple Leafs fail to play fundamental defensive hockey in their own end, the Flames can wreak havoc in short order.

The Goaltenders Could Be Decisive

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These teams have been competitive since puck drop this season. Goaltending is not the main reason for this.

While Jonathan Bernier has begun to round into better form, his .916 save percentage is OK, but not excellent. The same can be said for Calgary starter Jonas Hiller, who sits at .913 for a save percentage.

The Leafs must test Hiller early and often in this one. The Leafs' top two lines need to put puck pressure on the Flames all over the ice, as this determined group needs only a small opening to start generating offence.

At his best, Jonathan Bernier is the stronger goalie against either Hiller or Karri Ramo. If Bernier has his A-game, the Leafs should continue their winning ways.

Dion Phaneuf Needs to Play Within Himself

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Calmness, poise and steadiness don't always define captain Dion Phaneuf's game. The ex-Flames star will be jacked up to face his old team. 

The Leafs' best defender must play within himself and not try and match the more dynamic Giordano. The Flames star has eclipsed Phaneuf as an offensive defenceman, but Phaneuf has other qualities that will help the Leafs to victory.

In his best games this season, Phaneuf has played low-risk hockey that doesn't see him running all over the ice and making unnecessary pinches and hits. Phaneuf needs to be hard on the body in the defensive zone, move the puck quickly and smartly out of his own end and chip in offensively when needed.

Beating them in the alleys or trying to do it all himself is a recipe for disaster for Phaneuf and, by extension, his club. A great game from Phaneuf sees Hogtown knock off Cowtown.

All stats can be found on NHL.com unless noted otherwise.