The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending situation was clarified a bit on Friday, as Frederik Andersen took part in his first practice since before the Christmas break and backup Garret Sparks was diagnosed with a concussion.
"It's getting close, it's been a good progression over the last few days and obviously going through a full practice pretty much today, I'm feeling pretty good so definitely positive about it." Andersen said at the MasterCard Centre. "We need to see how it responds today. I think we're all aware of what time of year it is right now and making sure we get this done the right way. (I’m) just preparing for a long run."
Andersen dealt with a lingering groin issue through the month of December, which did not improve with nearly a week of rest during the holiday break and the club decided to deal with the issue by shutting down their starter and giving him an extended break.
The Leafs revealed that Sparks was concussed after taking a William Nylander shot off the mask at practice on Wednesday and as with most concussions, it is unknown how long the backup will be out of the lineup.
Michael Hutchinson was very busy in his Leafs debut on Thursday afternoon, making 30 saves in a 4-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild.
“It was a little bit hectic. I found out (late Wednesday night), so things moved pretty fast.” Hutchinson said. “It was a fun game to be a part of, it's unfortunate we weren't able to get two points or score late there and push it to overtime. That's the way it goes sometimes.”
#Leafs netminder Garret Sparks is being evaluated for a concussion after taking this shot off the mask in practice on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/kBmkWbDCL5
Head coach Mike Babcock indicated that the 28-year-old Barrie, ON native will be between the pipes on Saturday, as Toronto hosts the Vancouver Canucks at Scotiabank Arena, but it is unknown who will backup Hutchinson for his second start in Blue and White.
Kasimir Kaskisuo was sent back to the Toronto Marlies (who play in Binghamton on Friday and Syracuse on Saturday) and it is possible that the Leafs will recall him on an emergency basis to backup Hutchinson on Saturday, but Babcock hinted that the club may need to look for another goaltender while Andersen and Sparks recover.
Babcock also indicated that forward Zach Hyman is improving, but that the left winger is still not medically cleared and ready to return to the lineup. Hyman suffered a sprained ankle on December 18th vs. New Jersey and has missed the last six games.
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