Leafs Practice Report: Robertson, Myers sub in for absent Kampf, McCabe

While Kampf has seen some time in the press box lately, the McCabe-Tanev pair has quickly become one of the best defensive pairs this team has ever seen, so a McCabe loss for any amount of time would hurt. However, with the Leafs having clinched their playoff spot already, as long as he’s back by the time the playoffs roll around, it’s something they could navigate through.

One pair will remain intact from Wednesday night, and that’s Morgan Rielly and Brandon Carlo. The latter spoke recently about how much he’s enjoyed playing with Rielly and how the two have been able to mutually benefit each other.

“I love playing with guys like Mo. His capability of moving the puck makes me feel really comfortable in the defensive zone, getting it over to him, knowing we’ll be able to make some good plays coming out of the d-zone,” Carlo said before Wednesday’s game against Florida. “He’s been doing a great job communicating with me, as well. Defensively, on rush reads, I’m really beginning to recognize his voice, with my voice as well. It’s been great. For me, it’s an ideal partnership, the kind of guy like that is the perfect guy I’d love to play with.”

Head coach Craig Berube has yet to confirm a starting goaltender for their next game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but there’s an argument to be made either way. Anthony Stolarz was excellent against the Panthers, turning away 29 of 31 shots, but with only two games this week, it might serve them better to keep Joseph Woll healthy. A starting goaltender will likely be named after morning skate on Saturday.

The Maple Leafs will host the Blue Jackets on Saturday night before heading to Florida for a massive back-t0-back against the Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, two teams firmly entrenched in the race for first in the Atlantic Division.