For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter The Toronto Maple Leafs finish off a brief two-game homestand before taking to the road against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday. The Leafs look to notch a second straight victory against an Atlantic Division foe before heading out on a four-game road swing. The Sens are expected to be an Eastern Conference bottom dweller following the departure of winger Mike Hoffman and Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson and lost 4-3 in overtime to Chicago in their season opener on Thursday. Craig Anderson is expected to be in goal for Ottawa on Saturday, but 2018 first round pick Brady Tkachuk (groin injury) will not play. Toronto will not make any lineup changes from Wednesday, as goalie Frederik Andersen will be between the pipes in the first of back-to-back games and Garret Sparks will get the start in Chicago on Sunday.
.@sportingnewsca #Leafs lines and pairings vs. Ottawa:
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) October 6, 2018
Marleau-Matthews-Ennis
Hyman-Tavares-Marner
Leivo-Kadri-Brown
Johnsson-Lindholm-Kapanen
Ex: Gauthier
Rielly-Hainsey
Gardiner-Zaitsev
Dermott-Ozhiganov
Ex. Marincin-Holl
Andersen in home net pic.twitter.com/NigGGcqsak
Center Nazem Kadri (who celebrates his 28th birthday on Saturday) was used slightly differently in the season opener, not drawing as much of the shutdown role as he was used by Mike Babcock last season, and drawing occasional shifts on the wing with John Tavares and Mitch Marner. “I’m not going to (use him in that role) for a bit. I’m going to do it eventually.… Babcock said after the morning skate on Saturday. “(Kadri) had a different type of line than he had this year, and that reflects on (his usage) as well. We are trying to get our people on the ice as much as we possibly can, and see them in all situations. Naz played a fair bit of wing last game and will after speciality teams, to get his minutes to a level that’s good for him.…
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Hey, Leafs pregame, plus thoughts on Nylander. The pod is here. #TMLTalk #Leafsforever https://t.co/Tpgi4Q9RRM
— Norman James (@NormanJamesTLC) October 6, 2018
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