Leafs lineup news: Hildeby will start, Pezzetta in for Jarnkrok, Senators rest Tkachuk, Sanderson among others

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby will start Wednesday’s game against the Ottawa Senators.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube stated that Joseph Woll was overworked, and Hildeby will start as a result. Hildeby posted a 5-6-4 record in 19 games with the Maple Leafs this season, along with a .912 save percentage. He will certainly compete for a permanent role next year, with Woll and Anthony Stolarz returning. Artur Akhtyamov was returned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, but made two starts this season, and could also be in the mix next year with a larger role.

Michael Pezzetta will re-enter the lineup in place of Calle Jarnkrok. Berube revealed Jarnkrok is dealing with an injury. Jarnkrok finished the year with six goals and eight points in 56 games.

John Tavares will be the lone player to play in all 82 games for the Maple Leafs. Tavares emerged as the team’s first-quarter MVP and was a constant offensive force throughout the year, recording 31 goals and 71 points this season.

“It’s impressive. I talk about him all the time with you guys, about his preparation and work ethic,” Berube said of Tavares on Monday, following a 6-5 loss to the Dallas Stars. “It’s the same every day, every practice, every game. When things aren’t going well, he works his way out of it. He’s a great pro. He’s been a great pro his whole career.”

Ottawa will rest its stars, including Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson, Tim Stutzle, Thomas Chabot and Michael Amadio. James Reimer will start in goal for the Senators. Ottawa will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Senators

Easton Cowan-John Tavares-William Nylander

Matthew Knies-Max Domi-Nick Robertson

Matias Maccelli-Luke Haymes-Michael Pezzetta

Steven Lorentz-Jacob Quillan-Ryan Tverberg 

Morgan Rielly-Troy Stecher

Simon Benoit-Jake McCabe

Oliver Ekman-Larsson-William Villeneuve

Dennis Hildeby (confirmed starter) 

Joseph Woll