For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter The Toronto Maple Leafs will look to keep pace with the Boston Bruins in the race for second place in the Atlantic, as they take on Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday, but will have to do it without defenseman Jake Gardiner in the lineup. The 28-year-old missed two games prior to the All-Star break with back spasms and has been held out of practice at times in February for maintenance purposes, but there is some hints on Wednesday that his back issues may be more extensive. “(Gardiner) is not playing today, I’ll let someone else make the announcement.… Babcock said on Wednesday morning.
Jake Gardiner will not play tonight. He is week-to-week with a back injury. #LeafsForever
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) February 27, 2019
Marincin has three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in seven games with the Toronto Marlies, but his deficiencies continue to be exposed when played regularly in the NHL. Rosen is second amongst AHL defensemen in scoring (44 points), leads all blueliners with 37 assists and is expected to challenge for a spot in the Leafs top six at training camp next September, but the 24-year-old has missed the last two games with a foot injury. Frederik Andersen makes his seventh straight start for Toronto and will be looking for his 30th victory of the season, while Mikko Koskinen will go for the Oilers, whose playoff chances in the West are fading, who are eight points in back of Dallas for the second wildcard spot. It is expected that Garret Sparks will see his first action in over two weeks in the second of back-to-back game on Thursday, with John Tavares making his triumphant return to Nassau Coliseum against the New York Islanders. The Bruins extended their lead for home ice advantage in a likely first round matchup to three points with a 4-1 win over San Jose at TD Garden on Tuesday with newcomers Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson in the lineup. *******
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— The Leafs Convo (@TheLeafsConvo) February 27, 2019
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