The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their Western Canada road trip tonight with a clash with the struggling Oilers.
After dropping a 3-2 overtime bout to the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday in disappointing fashion, tonight will present a shot at redemption for the Leafs as they go up against a banged up Edmonton Oilers team.
As starter Mikko Koskinen deals with an illness, it will be Anthony Stolarz who gets the starter’s nod for the Oilers while an emergency goaltender will be in attendance to back him up, as well.
The Oilers have an emergency goalie in the building against the Leafs tonight, because Mikko Koskinen has the flu and Anthony Stolarz is going to start. Ken Hitchcock does not know the emergency backup's name, so that's fun
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) March 9, 2019
Losing Koskinen is a noticeable blow to Ken Hitchcock‘s team. The 30-year-old netminder has been on a personal tear as of late since firmly being entrenched as the starter, grabbing the reigns almost immediately after Cam Talbot was shipped out of town prior to the trade deadline. Koskinen has won his past 4 starts – one of which being a shutout – and has failed to post a save percentage below .921 over that same span.
If any Leafs need to snap a scoring streak, this would likely be as good a shot as any.
In other Oilers news, Milan Lucic will not dress tonight, either. Ty Rattie will slide back into the lineup in his place. I’m sure the Leafs are devastated about missing their final opportunity to skate circles around him this season.
Nazem Kadri Returns
Tonight will also signal the valiant return of Nazem Kadri.
Mike Babcock on what Kadri brings to #LeafsForever lineup:
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) March 9, 2019
"He's mean, doesn't mind getting in on the forecheck, gives us much more depth down the middle & gives us a better defensive hockey club."
Nazem returns after missing eight games (concussion)https://t.co/oCEomrRXpQ
Out since February 19th after suffering a concussion, Kadri’s presence down the middle has been sorely missed by the Leafs’ forward corps and adding him back in will allow Mike Babcock to more evenly distribute depth all over his lineup.
Kadri is an integral component to the success of the Leafs, and his absence of late has stood to remind fans of just how important he truly is.
Despite missing nearly a month of the season, Kadri still stands likely cross the 20-goal barrier for the third consecutive year. Prior to his injury, Kadri also managed to produce sterling possession numbers – a 53.9% CF/60 at even strength, per HockeyReference – despite averaging fewer minutes he did in either of the two seasons before this one.
Getting him back as the playoffs now come into view is a monumental advantage.
Trevor Moore Out (Probably)
With Kadri back in, someone had to come out of the Leafs’ lineup to make room. If the line rushes from yesterday hint towards who that will be, it seems as if Trevor Moore is set to watch from the press box tonight.
Or, will he?
Frederik Gauthier wasn’t feeling well today, hence his absent. Babcock not 100% sure whether Trevor Moore will be in or out tomorrow vs. Oilers https://t.co/f2Q1j4ZgjD
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) March 8, 2019
Scratching Moore in favour of Connor Brown and Frederik Gauthier is an interesting decision. Each and every fourth liner, from Tyler Ennis to Nic Petan to even Gauthier, has seen their offensive numbers spike since Moore joined the fold. He’s been their best depth contributor – someone who clearly leaves a positive impact on those around him.
Alas, Moore will likely sit tonight, therein lessening Toronto’s speed against a decidedly morose Oilers squad.
Frederik Andersen once again starts for the Leafs, per DailyFaceoff.
Thanks for reading! Puck drop is at 7:00 PM.