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(Forgive my going down memory lane with a line from a classic Genesis song)
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a number of issues that have contributed to their stumbling and sluggish 4-3-1 start, and once again head coach Sheldon Keefe will tinker with his lineup in hopes of a better effort against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.
The Leafs will be wearing their black and yellow Bieber-designed jerseys in the first of back-to-back games in Southern California, and have put their forward lines in a blender after another incomplete effort in an overtime loss to San Jose on Thursday.
Keefe was not happy with the Leafs defense in Thursday’s loss but does not have Timothy Liljegren or Jordie Benn back to make more sweeping changes on the blueline. After playing well in camp, Toronto will give rookie Filip Kral his first NHL start in Los Angeles.
The 23-year-old will replace Victor Mete on the bottom pairing, playing alongside veteran Mark Giordano.
Ilya Samsonov will get the start for Toronto, and the starter for Los Angeles could be in question after veteran Jonathan Quick let in five goals on 18 shots in a 6-4 loss to Winnipeg on Thursday.
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The Leafs have continued to put their bottom six in a blender, with Engvall, Zach Aston-Reese, Aube-Kubel, Simmonds, and Denis Malgin having limited success. If there continues to be a lack of production or pushback from the third and fourth lines, GM Kyle Dubas may look to the Marlies for some other options.
Joey Anderson was barely noticeable in training camp, but the winger has started quickly this season with six goals and three assists in six games, including a pair in a 4-3 overtime win over Syracuse on Friday. Alex Steeves had a good training camp and is averaging over a point-per-game (4 goals, 3 assists) in six games.
JOEY ANDERSON. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. 👠pic.twitter.com/fGrxVXaVzo
— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) October 28, 2022
Simmonds could return to the AHL since he has already cleared waivers, but provides what little pushback the Leafs have, so it is possible that one of the other forwards could be placed on waivers soon to give either Anderson or Steeves an opportunity.
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