The Maple Leafs’ next game is tomorrow night in Ottawa and it will once again be on Hockey Night in Canada. It’s an opportunity for revenge on the Senators after a humiliating 6-2 loss two weeks ago on national TV.

It may also be the first game where we see some familiar faces return. Calle Rosen is expected to be called up from the Marlies after they finish their game tonight against the Utica Comets.

Maple Leafs practice update: Dermott returns, Woll skates, and Gardiner practices

Both Jake Gardiner and Travis Dermott were at the paractice yesterday, and it is expected Dermott will appear in the game tomorrow, however, it’s the time of year where the lines change on a moment’s notice before a game, so none of the above are guaranteed to be returning for Saturday. We’ll post further significant updates as they become available today.

ICYMI
Here’s what we wrote about yesterday.

Tyler Ennis is the Maple Leafs nominee for the Masterton Trophy - Katya
Each team nominates a player for this award recognizing perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Book review: This Team is Ruining My Life by Steve Dangle - ElSellout
Are you here to read this?

Other News

LOLHABS - with a 6-2 loss to the Blue Jackets last night they are once again on the outside of the playoff picture.

The Oilers lost to the Stars in a shootout last night, falling to a point in the standings where two wins by other teams will eliminate them. If the Avalanche defeat the Coyotes tonight, it’s pretty much over. However, you all know I can’t resist between-the-legs-goal highlights, even if it’s the Oilers and Connor McDavid. So watch and enjoy.

Mike Babcock on Jake Gardiner: “We’ve missed him and it’s very apparent” - MLHS
”I thought Jake was out there with the guys enjoying it. Even when he did the 1-on-1s, even though he wasn’t involved in the contact, it was still good for his quick-twitch and getting back up to speed.”

The Leafs in St. John’s? ‘As good as the cod fishery coming back’ - CBC News
A ticket price of more than $100 apiece didn’t deter determined fans Thursday looking for seats at a Toronto Maple Leafs pre-season game in St. John’s.

It’s time for the Rangers to move on from Lindy Ruff - Blueshirt Banter
"Ruff’s teams in Dallas were consistently below average (to put it mildly) in most defensive metrics. They bled shot attempts. The penalty kill was atrocious. It’s probably not a coincidence that Dallas has dramatically improved in those areas over the last two seasons since Ruff’s departure."

Tobias Rieder and former Coyotes struggling in Edmonton - Five For Howling
While the Chicago Blackhawks are the go to trading partner for the Arizona Coyotes, a number of former Coyotes have found their way to the Edmonton Oilers. That was a bad idea.

Masterton Nominee Lehner’s incredible story with Islanders only beginning - Lighthouse Hockey
"Last year at this time, he was in a treatment facility with his career, and life, hanging in the balance."
[Species: Robin Lehner is going to win the Bill Masterton Trophy. Read about why he will now.]

Alex Ovechkin: Not Half Bad - Japers' Rink
Taking a look at some eerie scoring consistency in Alex Ovechkin’s career.

MacKinnon deserves to be in the Hart Trophy conversation - Mile High Hockey
Nathan MacKinnon is going to drag the Avalanche into the playoffs by any means necessary.

From The Branches