For the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter With Nazem Kadri unavailable and Patrick Marleau’s move to the middle on Saturday not getting great results, the Toronto Maple Leafs are turning towards Tomas Plekanec to draw upon his vast experience facing the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup first round series. The 35-year-old veteran center was acquired in part because of his playoff experience and with Kadri suspended for the next two games, Plekanec will take up the suspended center’s spot between Marleau and Mitch Marner. “Right now, it is about one game, one period at a time, one shift at a time, that’s what I’m focused on right now.… Plekanec said after the morning skate on Monday. Part of the reason for the move may be to match Plekanec against countryman David Krejci. The two were matched up against each other in two Bruins - Montreal Canadiens series in 2011 and 2014 that went to seven games and members of the Boston media confirmed that the former Hab was an annoying presence to the Bruins second line center. Tweets by MikeInBuffalo
Winger Leo Komarov was not on the ice at Air Canada Centre Monday morning after suffering a lower body injury in a collision with Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller in Game 2. Although ruled out for Game 3, Leafs head coach Mike Babcock indicated that the feisty winger will skate on Tuesday and Wednesday and could return for Game 4 on Thursday. Dominic Moore will be the only lineup change for Toronto, taking Komarov’s place on the fourth line, skating between wingers Andreas Johnsson and Kasperi Kapanen and likely replacing him on the Leafs penalty killing unit, which has allowed five power plays in the series. “That’s why we’ve made the decision to do what we’re doing.… Leafs coach Mike Babcock said on Monday. “It is because of (Plekanec’s) experience and any time you lose a center, suddenly (Moore) is coming in and (Plekanec is) moving spots, it makes us a different lineup, but that’s why you have depth.…
@sportingnewsca Nazem Kadri takes the morning skate at ACC, no Leo Komarov. pic.twitter.com/ahNpZcT3hc
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) April 16, 2018
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