Mark Masters just reported that Sergei Bobrovsky was in the starter's net at the Maple Leafs optional skate and appears set to face the Canadiens tonight.
The Maple Leafs (8-7-2) host Montreal on Saturday night after losing their last game to Utah, so the crease matters more than usual for a team sitting 19th in the NHL.
Masters also noted that Anthony Stolarz, a New Jersey native, is in line to play the Devils tomorrow.
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That is a neat split. Bobrovsky takes the Canadiens, and Stolarz gets the home-state game with the Devils the following day.
Toronto's goaltending has been under a microscope for a while. Bobrovsky gave up five goals on 17 shots in a 5-4 loss in Seattle that John Chayka addressed last week, and he has 11 games played this season.
Stolarz has 6 games played. He spoke earlier this week about the reset behind Anthony Stolarz's run, saying he went back to his old self.
Why the Canadiens are a tough test for Bobrovsky
Montreal arrives at 10-3-3 and second in the Atlantic Division, with a 7-1-2 record over its last 10. The Canadiens beat Utah 5-4 in overtime on Thursday, so they come in on a winning note.
Toronto's goal differential is +6, the same as Montreal's, which says these teams are closer on paper than the standings suggest. Martin St-Louis has his club playing well on the road at 5-1-1.
If Bobrovsky holds up, Jim Hiller gets a needed win against a divisional rival. If he doesn't, the questions about who should be Toronto's number one will get louder, and the Maple Leafs have the Devils waiting tomorrow.
New Jersey is 11-5-0 and has won 3 straight. Stolarz will face a team that has outscored opponents by 10 goals this season.
Quick hits
CAROLINA HURRICANES: Pyotr Kochetkov gets the crease tonight against the Blackhawks, according to Cory Lavalette from morning skate. Simple call, and one Carolina fans will be watching closely.
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WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Sammi Silber reports Logan Thompson starts in goal today against the Panthers, with no other lineup changes. Stability is never a bad thing.
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FLORIDA PANTHERS: Anton Lundell will not play today as the Panthers visit the Capitals, and he is considered day-to-day, per NHL Rosters. Florida will have to find a way without him.
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MINNESOTA WILD: Michael Russo reports Michael McCarron is questionable for tonight against the Lightning after he did not finish the Wild's win over the Sharks. A late call looms.
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BOSTON BRUINS: Jack Studley reports Mikey Eyssimont was not at practice this morning, one day after a hat trick in Hamilton. Nobody wants a hat trick hero missing the next day.
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Should the Maple Leafs make Anthony Stolarz their true number one over Sergei Bobrovsky?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Kent Hughes and the Canadiens: inside the two-player puzzle
