Sheldon Keefe makes surprising announcement regarding Liljegren, explains the Hollowell call-up
Following this morning's game-day skate, ahead of the Leafs' matchup with the Caps in Washington, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe spoke with the media and provided a rather surprising update regarding injured blueliner Timothy Liljegren, who left Thursday's game against the Rangers in the 2nd period and did not return. Per Keefe, Liljegren is actually slated to play in tonight's game after the imaging on his right hand came back negative.
That's great news for the Leafs and lines up with what we saw for line rushes during the morning skate. As usual, Liljegren was skating alongside Rasmus Sandin on the team's second pair. There was some confusion, however, since the team had also recalled Marlies defenseman Mac Hollowell, who also happens to play the right side.
The Hollowell call-up, per Keefe, was because of the fact that the Leafs currently have a number of blueliners playing through some minor injuries. Having Hollowell with the team ensures that if someone can't go tonight, they'll have an extra body available to avoid having to play a man short.
While there's still plenty of time between now and puck drop, it looks as though the Leafs' lineup will be largely the same as it was last game.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 105 ANSWERS Sheldon Keefe makes surprising announcement regarding Liljegren, explains the Hollowell call-up Should the Leafs rest Liljegren instead of allowing him to play through a hand injury? | ||
| Yes | 91 | 86.7 % |
| No | 14 | 13.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
