Leafs running it back with the same lineup from 10-7 game in Detroit
After avoiding what would've been the worst third period collapse since Game 7 in 2013 Saturday night, the Leafs took to the ice Monday morning for their gameday skate ahead of their game tonight against Ovechkin and the Capitals in Washington.
Aside from the third period, which Keefe alluded to in his post game comments Saturday, he was impressed with his team's performance and it is not a surprise that he is sticking with the same lineup as Saturday.
While Engvall returned to practice following a battle with a stomach bug, he, along with Clifford found themselves as the extras during line rushes this morning, meaning that rookie Nick Robertson will see action in his second straight game since being recalled from the Marlies. He will skate alongside Spezza and Simmonds again.
On the blueline, Keefe will give Liljegren a second shot at top pair minutes playing next to Rielly, who seemed to have a more conservative approach to Saturday's game skating with the rookie. It will be interesting to see if Rielly and Liljegren are a little more comfortable with each other tonight and if it will allow Rielly to be more involved on the offensive side of the puck. Additionally, Brodie and Holl and what has quickly become everyone's favourite duo, Sandin and Lyubushkin will remain together.
Between the pipes, Mrazek will get the start after coming in in relief of Campbell Saturday night. Given Campbell's struggles since the end of the covid lengthened holiday break, this may be the start of a string of starts for Mrazek to give Campbell some time to get back into form.
