The Toronto Maple Leafs are making significant adjustments ahead of their matchup against the Buffalo Sabres due to a series of injuries among key players. The team, currently sitting with a record of 3-3-1, will feature a lineup that differs greatly from the one that faced the New Jersey Devils just days earlier.
Injury Updates and Roster Changes
Two prominent defencemen have been sidelined. Chris Tanev is on injured reserve due to an upper body injury sustained during Tuesday’s game. Morgan Rielly, who also suffered an undisclosed injury, missed practice earlier this week but participated in a brief morning skate on Friday.
- Chris Tanev: Placed on injured reserve
- Morgan Rielly: Briefly returned to practice and may play Saturday
In light of these setbacks, Dakota Mermis has been recalled from the Marlies, while Philippe Myers, who has not played in the first seven games, is expected to fill a defensive role.
Adjustments in Forward Lines
Coach Craig Berube is also reconfiguring the forward lines. Auston Matthews will be paired with top scorer William Nylander, and Bobby McMann earns a promotion to this top unit. There is confidence that the chemistry shared by Matthews and Nylander will yield positive results, especially with McMann demonstrating impressive speed and physicality.
- New Line Combinations:
- McMann – Matthews – Nylander
- Knies – Tavares – Maccelli
- Joshua – Roy – Cowan
- Domi – Lorentz – Järnkrok
Max Domi returns to the fourth line after a stint on Matthews’ wing, while Nick Robertson will be a healthy scratch for the first time this season. Rookie Easton Cowan takes on a defensive role in the third line alongside bigger players Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua.
Goaltending Situation
In the net, Anthony Stolarz will be starting against Buffalo’s Alex Lyon. Stolarz is currently undefeated against the Sabres, holding a career record of 4-0-1 with a remarkable .963 save percentage.
Looking Ahead
The Maple Leafs are aiming to end their losing streak with these changes. With their recent struggles, the adjustments in both defensive and offensive lineups reflect a strategic effort to enhance their performance as they prepare for the match against the Sabres.
