And if there ever was a trap game on paper, this is it. The Leafs are returning from the high of a big 'dads trip' win at MSG in a tough situation (tired in a b2b vs. rested opponent, flu bug going around the room). Toronto's points streak has now hit seven games. Columbus has won all of two games on the road in 13 attempts, and they have an injury list as long as your arm (see lineups below). The Blue Jackets' offensive numbers are nothing to shake a stick at, though, so if the Leafs overlook this game or get sloppy at all, they do have enough offensive skill spread over their four lines to make a team pay for it.
In terms of lineup notes, Matthew Knies is still recovering from illness and is not expected to play, with Noah Gregor remaining on the top line for the second consecutive game. It is expected the Leafs will return to 12 and 6 with both Bobby McMann and Ryan Reaves in the lineup on the fourth line with David Kampf. Ilya Samsonov will start in goal looking to build on his most recent start at home, an 18-save shutout over the Nashville Predators.
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