The Toronto Maple Leafs were not able to take advantage of the Boston Bruins first regulation loss in nearly two months, but have another chance to gain ground in the race for second place and home-ice advantage against the Chicago Blackhawks at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday.
The Hawks are mathematically alive for a Western Conference wildcard spot, six points behind the Arizona Coyotes with a game in hand, and are coming off a 7-1 win over the Coyotes on Monday and have been much better in the second half after acquiring Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini in a trade from Arizona and Drake Caggiula from Edmonton.
The Leafs are hoping for a more energetic and engaged effort against Chicago after appearing lethargic in a 6-2 loss to Tampa Bay on Monday and can move to within two points of the Bruins who lost 7-4 to Columbus on Tuesday.
Toronto continues to be dogged by late-season illness and injuries, as you can add winger Kasperi Kapanen to the list that includes Travis Dermott and Jake Gardiner. Kapanen was a late scratch on Monday because of “precautions due to illness”, but on Wednesday it was revealed that the speedy winger was suffering from concussion issues.
"(Kapanen has) great speed, he’s got tremendous work ethic and he’s a real good penalty killer," Leafs head coach Mike Babcock said on Wednesday. "(His absence) affects you, but it’s (an) opportunity for someone else."
Travis Dermott is getting in some solo work before the #leafs skate. He suffered a shoulder injury on Feb. 27. pic.twitter.com/Iyj2F1w46W
Dermott skated on Monday prior to the club’s morning skate and has been out for about half of the four-week prognosis for his injured shoulder. There has been little said about the state of Gardiner’s back ailment since late February. The Leafs are likely hoping to get both back in the lineup before April 1, with a week to go before the start of the playoffs.
Babcock kept the same line combinations that were put together after Kapanen was scratched on Monday, with William Nylander taking his place on the right side with Andreas Johnsson and Auston Matthews. Zach Hyman skated alongside regular linemates John Tavares and Mitch Marner, Connor Brown was moved up to the third line with Patrick Marleau and Nazem Kadri, and Tyler Ennis, Frederik Gauthier and Trevor Moore make up the fourth line.
Frederik Andersen was pulled after allowing four goals on 19 shots against the Lightning, but will make his sixth straight start for Toronto.
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The Leafs officially announced the signing of Mercyhurst U. defenseman Joseph Duszak to a two-year deal on Wednesday. The 21-year-old had 47 points (16 goals and 31 assists) this season and will report to the Toronto Marlies this week.
Duszak’s entry-level contract does not kick in until the 2019-20 season, so he will be joining the Marlies on an amateur tryout contract for the rest of this season and will be eligible to play for the AHL club in the Calder Cup Playoffs next month.
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