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Lineup Shuffling In The Sunshine State; Leafs Vs Panthers

April 25, 2013, 2:11 PM ET [781 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Leafs emerged after a few days of sunshine and relaxation in sunny Florida with another subpar effort, as three third period goals were the difference in a 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday.

Martin St. Louis scored a hat trick, Steven Stamkos and Radko Gudas scored for Tampa, while Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul replied for Toronto.

The 37 year old St. Louis took over the NHL scoring lead from the injured Sidney Crosby and could become the oldest player to win the Art Ross Trophy if he manages to stay in front the next three days. Stamkos scored his club leading 29th goal of the season and trails Washington’s Alex Ovechkin by two goals in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Gudas scored the game winner early in the third with a howitzer-like blast just under the crossbar past Toronto goalie James Reimer’s head. The 22 year old Czech has two goals in 21 games this season and both have come against Reimer.

Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul replied for Toronto, who uncharacteristically won the battle of the shot clock, outshooting Tampa 28-26, but otherwise put in a subpar effort in the first of back to back games in the Sunshine State.

The loss was the Leafs third in the last four games and cost them an opportunity to increase their one point lead over the New York Islanders for fifth spot in the Eastern Conference and to move within two points of the idle Montreal Canadiens in pursuit for home ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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It was expected that backup Ben Scrivens would start against the Florida Panthers on Thursday, but Scrivens participated in an optional skate in Sunrise, FL Thursday morning, which may indicate that Reimer will play back-to-back nights.

Wingers Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren were scratched in favor of Matt Frattin and Joe Colborne on Wednesday, marking the first time this season that neither enforcer was in the lineup. Veteran John-Michael Liles was also replaced by Mike Kostka, who had not dressed in nearly three weeks.

TSN 1050’s Jonas Siegel reported that there may be additional lineup changes tonight, as the likes of Jake Gardiner, Ryan Hamilton and Liles may draw in for players who may be nursing minor injuries. Carlyle indicated after practice that Orr and McLaren will sit again this evening, indicating that their status would be questionable if tonight were a playoff game.

The Panthers broke their six game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers on Tuesday and play their final game at home this evening. Florida is 14-26-6 and virtually locked up 30th place in the NHL and the best chance of drafting first overall in the June entry draft.

Jacob Markstrom is expected to start in goal for Florida.

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