Maple Leafs Face the Blue Jackets Tonight with a Revised Lineup.
The Toronto Maple Leafs (4-2-0) head to Nationwide Arena in Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets tonight, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Following a solid 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Leafs aim to keep their momentum going as they adjust their lineup to accommodate injuries and potential new additions.
### Projected Maple Leafs Lineup:
**Forwards:**
– Matthew Knies — Auston Matthews — Mitch Marner
– Bobby McMann — Max Domi — William Nylander
– Max Pacioretty — John Tavares — Nicholas Robertson
– Steven Lorentz — David Kämpf — Pontus Holmberg
**Defense:**
– Morgan Rielly — Chris Tanev
– Oliver Ekman-Larsson — Jake McCabe
– Simon Benoit — Conor Timmins
**Goaltending:**
– **Expected Starter:** Joseph Woll
– **Backup:** Anthony Stolarz
### Scratches and Injuries:
– **Scratches:** Philippe Myers, Timothy Liljegren, Ryan Reaves, Dennis Hildeby
– **Injuries:** Calle Järnkrok (lower body), Connor Dewar (upper body), Jani Hakanpää (lower body), Fraser Minten (lower body), Dakota Mermis (upper body)
### Key Lineup Notes:
After their win over Tampa Bay, the Leafs opted to skip the morning skate, allowing their players extra rest. Coach Craig Berube hinted that Joseph Woll, who has been sidelined with a lower-body injury for the start of the season, might make his debut tonight. The potential return of Woll could provide a fresh option in net as the team navigates a busy schedule.
Ryan Reaves, currently scratched, could see a spot in tonight’s lineup, potentially replacing David Kämpf. This adjustment aligns with Toronto’s emphasis on a more physical playing style this season, a key focus under Berube’s leadership. With enforcers like Max Domi and Chris Tanev, the Leafs are looking to maintain a tougher presence on the ice, which could be pivotal in their matchup against Columbus.
Toronto will be looking to continue their strong start, leaning on key contributions from their star players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander. The matchup with the Blue Jackets offers a chance to further solidify their position in the standings while showcasing their evolving, more physical brand of hockey.
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