Maple Leafs vs Stars game chat: real hockey is back!

Leafs (28-18-5) vs Islanders (25-21-5)

7:30 pm ET
TV: SN

Our game preview with lineups is here.

The Leafs apparently got hit by a bug, I suspect transmitted through JVR via Species. Way to go, Species.

#Leafs recall Justin Holl on emergency basis for tonight. Roman Polak to IR with a viral infection, Ron Hainsey a game-time decision tonight vs. Isles with illness.

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) January 31, 2018

So on the one hand, Polak to the IR seems like a good time for Babcock to really give guys like Carrick, Dermott, and/or Borgman some time even when Zaitsev and Rielly are back. On the other hand, Hainsey's been such a rock in stabilizing the game of Rielly and Gardiner, so that's less good.

ICYMI

Nikita Zaitsev has the worst stats of the Leafs top four | by Katya, looking at Zaitsev using incredibly hilarious metaphors.

Women’s Hockey Wednesday: Meet the Olympians! | by Annie

GO LEAFS GO!