Maple Leafs could shake up lines in anticipation of missing key players vs. Flyers

The Toronto Maple Leafs (7-5-1) are in the land of cheesesteaks tonight for a matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers (6-2-2), though they face the possibility of being shorthanded as they attempt to get back into the win column following Monday night's 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Arena. 

Both captain John Tavares and newcomer Ondrej Kase are officially listed as game-time decisions for tonight's game after missing Tuesday's practice session with undisclosed injuries suffered on Monday. However, the good news is that both players skated today. 

According to head coach Sheldon Keefe, both players are preparing as if they're going to give it a go tonight against the Flyers, though their official status remains up in the air. 

“Both guys were preparing as though they’d play, but they needed to skate and see how that went,” Keefe said. “They’ll remain game-time decisions right until after warmup, so we’ll give them as much time as we can to make sure they’re feeling good.”

Should Tavares be ultimately unable to go, don't be surprised to see Kirill Semyonov make his NHL debut, which would likely move Nick Ritchie on a line with Mitch Marner and Alex Kerfoot. 

Meanwhile, Justin Holl will be returning to the lineup after sitting out the previous five games as a healthy scratch; Travis Dermott will be watching. 

“I know he’s excited to play here. He’s had to be on the sidelines longer than we thought he might,” Keefe said.

“Just want to see him not to overthink it, not to overdo it. When he’s playing well, he’s skating offensively and defensively. He’s getting in people’s way. He’s physical. He’s getting plays stopped and moving it up the ice to our forwards and getting us going on offence.”

Tonight's game at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia will begin at 7:30 PM EST. It will be Jack Campbell between the pipes for the Leafs, as Petr Mrazek remains on the shelf for at least the next four weeks while nursing a groin injury.