Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz is the projected starter for Friday’s game against the New York Rangers.
Sportsnet’s Luke Fox reports that Joseph Woll is under the weather, so Stolarz will start for the second consecutive game. Stolarz has been excellent for the Maple Leafs coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break, in what’s been a stellar campaign overall. The 31-year-old has recorded 12-5-2 with a .926 save percentage in 20 appearances this season.
Ryan Reaves will return to the lineup, based on Friday’s practice lines, in place of Alex Steeves. Reaves hasn’t played since February 4 against the Calgary Flames and has recorded two assists in 33 games. It’s possible Reaves is in the lineup with the anticipation of a more physical clash against the Rangers. Steeves has performed well for the Maple Leafs during his latest call-up, and it’s possible Berube wants to get another look at the fourth line, tweaking his combinations prior to the deadline. Reaves will be joining Steven Lorentz and David Kampf on Toronto’s fourth line Friday.
Matthew Knies remains with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on the Leafs’ top line. Knies was moved to the third line during Tuesday’s win against the Bruins, while Bobby McMann was placed up the lineup, as the Maple Leafs rallied for a 5-4 overtime victory.
Philippe Myers has been added to the lineup, in place of the injured Chris Tanev. Berube had previously confirmed Myers will play, and he was paired alongside Jake McCabe during practice.
Max Pacioretty was placed on injured reserve Friday, while the Maple Leafs called up Marshall Rifai from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. Rifai won’t play Friday, but it’s possible he makes his season debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday.
Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Rangers
Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner
Pontus Holmberg-John Tavares-William Nylander
Bobby McMann-Max Domi-Nick Robertson
Steven Lorentz-David Kampf-Ryan Reaves
Morgan Rielly-Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Jake McCabe-Philippe Myers
Simon Benoit-Conor Timmins
Anthony Stolarz (projected starter)
Joseph Woll