Keefe makes a surprising scratch ahead of tonight's tilt with the Sens
The Leafs continued with their 11F and 7D setup last night in their 5-2 win over Carolina with Sheldon Keefe noting that the team would be using a more traditional 12F, 6D lineup tonight against Ottawa. With an injury to Noel Acciari last night, the Leafs recalled Bobby McMann earlier today, meaning he will likely slot into Acciari's spot. Wayne Simmonds will draw in as well, but those are not the only changes for the Leafs tonight against the Senators.
On the blueline, Keefe announced that Justin Holl will return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch last night. Mark Giordano, who has played every game for the Leafs to this point, will be a scratch, along with Erik Gustafsson, which means Luke Schenn will remain in the lineup against the Sens. Additionally, Matt Murray will get the start against his former team for the first time this season, after he was injured prior to his previous two expected starts this season.
Giordano is a player of habit. He never takes a day off because he never feels as though he needs to. If he's healthy, he has always preferred to play. He is also one of the few Leafs players who never misses a single practice or game day skate. However, at 39 years of age, a day off this late into the season might be a good idea for Gio, especially since the Leafs have a very busy week ahead, with 6 games in 11 days, 7 in 12 if you include last night's win over the Canes.
