Ever since Mike Babcock was fires by the Maple Leafs, it has been smooth sailing for Toronto under the direction of Sheldon Keefe. The Leafs have won 3 consecutive games including a convincing 6-0 victory in Detroit over the Red Wings on Wednesday.
Friday and Saturday, the Leafs are playing back-to-back home-and-home games against the Sabres. This afternoon, the Sabres host the Maple Leafs. Keefe's men will look to keep their streak going with a W.
Sheldon Keefe has already made a name for himself, thanks to his perfect record so far as head coach of the Maple Leafs, but also because of his refreshing and bold methods. Keefe shook up the Leafs' lineup as soon as he stepped in as head coach. Today, he is set to make another bold decision regarding his lineup.
In the first of two games in less than 24 hours, Leafs backup goaltender, Michael Hutchinson is set to start. It is rather unusual for a backup goaltender to start the first game in a back-to-back as coaches usually put the emphasis on winning the first game when the team is rested and ready by playing their best netminder and resting him the next day. Keefe's decision not only reflects his faith in Hutchinson, but also his firm intention to win both games against the Sabres.
These were the lines at yesterday's practice according to Leafs' insider Kristen Shilton:
Forwards:
Andreas Johnsson - Auston Matthews - William Nylander
Ilya Mikheyev - John Tavares - Zach Hyman
Nic Petan - Jason Spezza - Kasperi Kapanen
Pierre Engvall - Frederik Gauthier - Dmytro Timashov/ Nick Shore
Defencemen:
Morgan Rielly - Cody Ceci
Jake Muzzin - Justin Holl
Travis Dermott - Tyson Barrie
Goaltenders:
Michael Hutchinson
Frederik Andersen
Martin Marincin was sent down to the Marlies. Alex Kerfoot is still serving his suspension.