Samsonov hasn't seen game action since the Leafs' 4-3 overtime loss on Black Friday in Chicago due to a combination of a flu bug and a strong run of form from Woll before his injury in the third period in Ottawa. The Leafs actually have points in seven of Samsonov's eight starts this season despite a .878 save percentage, but with their defense currently running out Simon Benoit - Jake McCabe / Max Lajoie - Conor Timmins in behind their Morgan Rielly - TJ Brodie top pairing, they'll likely need more saves than that if they're going to keep grinding out results during a particularly busy stretch of the schedule (six games in 10 days).
At the other end of the ice, Samsonov won't have to face off against one of the game's elite in Juuse Saros, who gave the Leafs fits in their OT loss to the Predators in Nashville earlier this season. The Predators are giving Saros, who has played more games than any NHL goalie over the past two seasons (84), a rare night off. Kevin Lankinen, who is 3-2-0 with a .901 save percentage, will take the start in goal. On defense, William Lagesson's illness will keep him out of the lineup for the second consecutive game, which means it is the same group of six from the Leafs ' win over Ottawa. Up front, based on the morning skate lines, Ryan Reaves - who is averaging under seven minutes of ice time over his last three games - will remain on the fourth line.
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