Tonight's match should be a measuring stick type of game against a team already playing for their playoff lives and Sheldon Keefe is planning accordingly. The Leafs will go with a 12F/6D setup instead of 11F/7D as Brodie sits, nursing a minor injury. No need for Toronto to risk further injury to Brodie, especially when they have 9 NHL defensemen on the roster.
A great test tonight for the Buds, looking to prove they're playoff ready against a desperate heavy-hitting defensive Islanders squad. It will be fascinating to monitor the Leafs' defensive depth and if they have the ability to overcome such a big loss on their back end and pick up the win tonight in hostile territory.